An administration clerk, Mosethle Samuel Masopa (49), added to the 14 people who were previously arrested for the issuing of driver’s licences and learner’s licences unlawfully at Lengau Testing Centre, appeared before the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 28 June 2024 for corruption, fraud and money laundering after being served with court summons on 13 June 2024.
Intelligence information about Traffic Department and private examiners in Bloemfontein, Brandfort, Botshabelo, Ladybrand, Phalaborwa and Nelspruit; traffic officers, driving school instructors and runners who were involved in issuing learner’s and driver’s licences without following proper procedures was received in 2022. Operation Catfish was subsequently set up, several transactions concluded over a period and evidence thereof presented before court. On 26 January 2024, the Director of Public Prosecutions authorised warrants of arrest for 20 individuals. Early on the morning of 29 January 2024, members of the Hawks, Tactical Response Team (TRT), and Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) arrested nine males and five females aged between 30 and 57 at different locations.
Masopa was released on warning and his matter was remanded to 14 August 2024 for the matter to be transferred to the Regional Court in Bloemfontein.
