A total of 27 individuals from across three districts in Mpumalanga, including traffic officials, driving school owners, and driver’s license testing examiners, were released on bail on 16 and 17 September 2024. They were arrested during a joint operation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), and Crime Intelligence for fraud, corruption, and contravening the National Road Traffic Act.

The accused, from areas including Sabie, Graskop, Lydenburg, and Verena, face charges related to the illegal issuing and acquisition of driver’s licences. The arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation aimed at cracking down on widespread corruption within the traffic department.

Details of the Arrests and Court Proceedings:

• Sabie: Three accused, Momo Beauty Mathebula (30), Roandey Mazuzu Mkhonto (49), and Jackson Mokoena (42), were arrested on 16 September 2024. They were released on R5,000 bail each, with their case postponed to 8 November 2024.
• Lydenburg: Four individuals, including Lucky Nhlahla Shabangu (45), Reneilwe Linah Phala (45), Seth Moleseng Mashile (55), and Patracia Pretty Sekome (36), were also released on R5,000 bail each, with their case postponed to 6 November 2024.
• Graskop: Eric Mawelele (57) and Bheki John Mamba (59) were released on R10,000 bail each. Their case was postponed to 18 November 2024.
• Verena: Four traffic officials, Abram Mashiane (43), Tshepo Skhosana (48), Abram Mahlangu (43), and Sarah Ndala (59), were also implicated.
• Charl Cilliers: Neo Lawrence Mofube (32) was granted R1,000 bail, with his case postponed to 22 October 2024.
• Kabokweni Traffic Department: David Kenneth Twala (49) was released on R5,000 bail. His case was postponed to 21 October 2024.
• Hazyview: Rodney Plus Nkuna (33) was released on R2,500 bail, with his case postponed to 24 October 2024.
• Nelspruit: Sboniso Nkosi (38) and Bhekifa Mfankomo (51) were released on R1,500 bail each, with their case postponed to 21 October 2024.
• Malelane: August Veronica Nkambule (47) was released on R3,000 bail, with her case postponed to 22 November 2024.
• White River: Sipho Mkhonto (40) and Eleck’s Ngwamba (52) were granted R2,500 bail each, with their case postponed to 24 October 2024.
• Kanyamazane: Sylvester Goodman Hlaka (49) and Joseph Koos Mathebula (55) were released on R10,000 bail each, with their case postponed to 23 November 2024.
• Calcutta: Four individuals, Nomzamo Duba (39), S Mngwenya (29), Ntimane RN (41), and SS Makamo (64), were released on R5,000 bail each, with their case postponed to 14 November 2024.

Official Statements:

The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Gerber, and the CEO of RTMC commended the team’s collaborative efforts involved in the arrests. Major General Gerber emphasized that the Hawks, together with other law enforcement agencies, are committed to rooting out corruption within the traffic system. He urged the public to refrain from paying bribes to obtain fraudulent licenses, warning that such actions make individuals complicit and liable to prosecution under the law.

“Corruption cannot survive if the public refuses to pay bribes. We are sending a clear message: public servants should serve the people, not their own pockets,” said Major General Gerber. Investigations are ongoing, and both corrupt officials and members of the public involved in illegal activities will face prosecution.