GAUTENG MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure Jacob Mamabolo is committed to bringing efficient and effective testing centres to the province.
Mamabolo was speaking on Thursday, 8 September, at the Gautrain Station Centurion Driver’s Licence Testing Centre during the release of a forensic investigation report into allegations of corruption.
He said the department had appointed Ligwa Consulting to lead the forensic investigation into allegations of corruption, collusion and fronting at all centres in 2021.
“The report uncovered fraudulent activities and corruption by officials and outside intermediaries while recommending corrective actions.”
He said it recommended investigations by law enforcement agencies where inadequate evidence was uncovered.
“The system introduced a lucrative revenue stream for runners, funded by public members who were battling to secure slots online.”
He said motorists were allegedly not paying arrears owed and instead were transferring ownership of cars to deceased persons or shelf entities. He said investigations uncovered a total of 4 912 potential fee dumping transactions between 1 January 2008 and 31 March 2016, to the value of almost R39 million.
“A number of officials are linked to or own driving schools, working through families and acquaintances. Some offered a guaranteed pass, where applicants did not have to do any studying or testing.”
He said 13 officials were identified through lifestyle audits.
Mamabolo said that investigators recommended the finalisation of disciplinary action against officials involved in processing car ownership without recovering arrears owed by previous owners.
