Fourteen suspects, aged between 34 and 59, were arrested during a multidisciplinary, intelligence-driven operation led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Mpumalanga, in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and Crime Intelligence. The arrests took place across Sabie, Graskop, Lydenburg, and Verena for fraud, corruption, and contraventions of the National Road Traffic Act.

The arrests follow an extensive investigation led by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit and the National Road Traffic Management Corporation. The investigation revealed that certain driver’s licence testing examiners were colluding with driving school owners to issue learner’s and driver’s licences fraudulently. Applicants were given licences without completing the required tests, with some being assisted during written examinations for learner’s permits.

The investigation, dubbed “Kwanele,” began in 2021 following intelligence from Crime Intelligence. It uncovered that corrupt officials and driving school operators facilitated fraudulent driver’s licences in exchange for large sums of money. These licences were issued without proper testing, as applicants either received assistance or skipped the practical driving test altogether.

Arrests were carried out on 16 September 2024 at multiple testing stations, with the suspects facing charges of fraud, corruption, and violating the National Road Traffic Act. Some of the accused have already appeared in court, while others have been remanded in custody pending their next court appearances on 17 September 2024.

Mpumalanga Hawks Provincial Head, Major General Gerber, and RTMC CEO praised the joint efforts of the investigative team, noting that the operation’s success is a result of diligent work. Major General Gerber stated, “We will continue investigating and arrest corrupt law enforcement officials without fear or favour. Corruption will not survive if the public refuses to pay bribes for fraudulent licences.”

He further urged the public to refrain from offering bribes, as they can also be prosecuted under the law. “Officials must do the work they are paid for and not abuse their positions for personal gain. More arrests are expected as we continue to root out corruption within the system.”