Durban – Thirty three people accused of issuing fraudulent driving licences appeared in the Richards Bay Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
In a statement, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said of the 33 accused persons, 23 previously appeared in July, while 10 made their first court appearance on Wednesday.
Ramkisson-Kara said that bail was set at various amounts, depending on the accused’s submissions to court. Bail conditions are that they attend court and do not interfere with witnesses. Two of the accused are examiners from the licensing centre, while others are alleged to have fraudulently applied for their driving/learners’ licence.
Ramkisson-Kara said that two of the accused were not present in court but rulings on their respective bail amounts were made.
The case was adjourned to November 26, for some of the accused to finalise their legal representation.
The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, Siboniso Duma, said that initially the department’s traffic and transport inspection unit, together with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Hawks, arrested two examiners and ten licence applicants who benefited. Duma also said that the amount of work involving investigations and analysis of evidence has led us them to more arrests. To date, there are 87 people who will be rounded up and brought to court.
“The department is satisfied with the integrated approach involving our own efficient and motivated team from the traffic and transport inspection unit, the Hawks, and the National Prosecuting Authority,” Duma said.
“We are sending out a strong message that the culture of impunity and perception of a relatively easy life through fraud and corruption is the thing of the past,” Duma said.
He also said that the department’s message is that drivers who obtained their driving licences fraudulently will be removed from the roads, arrested, and locked up in jail.
Duma further stated this will inevitably end carnage on the roads and save innocent lives. Duma commended dedicated staff at test centres. Duma encouraged them to continue to inspire hope for a better future while the police isolate rogue elements.
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