Hawks swoop on Limpopo traffic officials in fraud case

The suspects are accused of issuing learners and drivers’ licenses without following proper procedures in return for bribes.

The officials aged between 37 and 59 were nabbed during a joint operation with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) on Wednesday.

This brings the total number of driving license examiners, administration clerks, and driving school instructors arrested at various Drivers’ License and Testing Centres (DLTCs) since Friday last week to 24.

Eleven suspects were arrested for fraud and corruption at Lephalale DLTC on Friday, eight others were nabbed at the Thabazimbi DLTC on Monday.

"Gadgets believed to be helpful in the investigation were seized and will be subjected to forensic investigations" RTMC said in a statement

"The team is still busy with the operation to address fraud and corruption-related offenses within Limpopo Province.'

RTMC says the probe identified more than 1 300 applicants who have been implicated in the fraud.

"They will also have to answer to law enforcement authorities for the part they played"

The suspects are expected to appear in the Bela-Bela Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

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