Polokwane: Eleven officials working at vehicle testing stations have been arrested on charges of alleged fraud.

According to South African Government News Agency, the suspects, aged between 27 and 57, were apprehended by the Polokwane-based Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) team in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU).

The allegations date back to May 2019, where it is claimed that cashiers and vehicle examiners at Mookgopong Private Testing Station in Limpopo fraudulently authorized and issued six roadworthy certificates without adhering to the proper procedures. Additionally, the suspects allegedly used another person’s identity documents as applicants without their knowledge, as stated by the RTMC on Monday.

The RTMC uncovered these fraudulent activities and subsequently opened a case docket of fraud, which was handed over to the Polokwane-based Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for further examina
tion. The SCCI collected all necessary evidence, and once the investigation was concluded, the docket was passed to the Public Prosecutor for a decision.

Following this, the prosecutor issued summons against the suspects. An operation named “SISFIKILE,” comprised of the Hawks and RTMC members, was launched to track down and arrest the suspects. The arrests took place between November 4 and 9, 2024, across various locations in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng provinces. The suspects include vehicle owners who received the roadworthy certificates and the officials who authorized and issued them, according to the RTMC.

All suspects have been instructed to appear in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Polokwane on December 12, 2024, where they will face charges of fraud. The operation is ongoing as authorities continue to trace additional suspects.