Traffic officers arrested for corruption in Lephalale
Two driving school owners, a traffic officer [examiner], and a former examiner were arrested for alleged fraud, corruption and money laundering at Lephalale Testing Station, Limpopo on Wednesday.
It is alleged that the examiners attached to the Testing Station connived with the driving school owners. They defrauded the Department of Road and Transport by issuing learners’ and drivers’ licenses to applicants without following proper procedures in return for gratification.
ALSO READ: Newborn baby found wrapped in bread plastic bag at Ga-Sekgopo
The information was brought to the attention of the Hawks and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).
A joint investigation between the SCI and RTMC was conducted. A case docket of fraud and corruption was opened.
After completion of the investigations, the Hawks referred the matter to the National Prosecuting Authority. Subsequent to that, the warrants of arrest were authorised against the accused.
A joint operation between the Hawks and RTMC was conducted. As a result, 11 accused were arrested in February 2025. The police launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects.
During the operation, the arresting team found the examiner [suspect] busy invigilating people who were busy writing learner’s driver’s licenses at the Lephalale Testing Station.
ALSO READ: More traffic officers arrested for corruption in Limpopo
Preliminary investigations revealed some discrepancies in the list of writers. Further investigation was conducted. Fraud and corruption offences were detected.
The matter was referred to the NPA, and a warrant of arrest was issued against her. She was contacted and handed herself to the Hawks at the Lephalale police station.
The other three additional suspects were also traced and apprehended in the Lephalale area. All four suspects are expected to make their first court appearance in Lephalale Magistrate’s Court on 28 May 2025. They face charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering. More arrests are imminent.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo Province Major General (Adv) Gopz Govender, has commended the arresting officers and shows some confidence in this team.
“I believe in this team, and I know that they will do all of their best to crack this case,” concluded Major General Govender.
