The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) welcomes the successful conviction of a licensing official and a driving school instructor on fraud and corruption charges relating to the unlawful issuing of learner driving licences at Vrede in the Free State.
The Corporation is, however, not entirely satisfied with the sentence meted out. The sentence does not reflect the serious impact that fraud and corruption have on road safety in the country.
Fraud and corruption at licencing centres produce unfit drivers that are behind the devastation of road crashes and fatalities on the country’s roads. Therefore, individuals behind this crime deserve heavy sanctions by our courts.
Mr Sipho Malinga (46 years old), an examiner of driving licences, and Mr Doctor Moloi (31 years old), a driving school operator were sentenced by the local regional court yesterday after pleading guilty to corruption charges.
Malinga was sentenced to six years imprisonment or a fine of R11 600. Half of the sentence was suspended for a period of five years on condition that he is not found guilty of the same or similar offence committed during the period of suspension.
He was further ordered to pay R2000 to the Criminal Asset Recovery Account and declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Moloi was sentenced to five years direct imprisonment or a fine of R12 000. Half of the sentence is suspended for a period of three years on condition that the accused is not found guilty of the same or similar offence committed during the period of suspension.
He was further ordered to pay an additional amount of R2000 to the Criminal Asset Recovery Account and declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The two were arrested on 4 July 2023 following information received from a whistleblower regarding a corrupt relationship between the examiner and a driving school instructor of JVD Driving School.
Investigations revealed a disturbing pattern where the driving school instructor would identify individuals seeking learner licences and provide their details to the Examiner, ensuring their success in the learner licence tests in exchange for bribes.
An undercover operation uncovered the extent of corruption, with evidence showing that the driving school instructor solicited bribes.
The RTMC commends all officers involved in the thorough investigation that led to these convictions. Such diligent efforts underscore our commitment to upholding integrity within the licensing system.
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected acts of fraud, corruption, or malfeasance to [email protected] or via WhatsApp at 083 293 7989.
