By Kopano Dibakwane
Two officials from Mkhuhlu DLTC (Driver Licence Testing Centre) aged between 45 and 47 years old, were apprehended and charged with corruption following an entrapment operation, conducted by the Hawks Nelspruit-based Serious Corruption Investigation Unit on Monday 15 January.
The spokesperson for the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, said the arrest follows a complaint by a learner who blew the whistle on the two suspects after they allegedly solicited a bribe in order to pass a learners licence.
“ It is alleged that on 8 January, the complainant went to Mkhuhlu DLTC to write a learners drivers licence. After writing she found out that she had failed.
“ The female examiner who was invigilating, approached her and told her that she could be assisted in passing a learners drivers licence only if she could pay her a gratification of R1000. An agreement was made for her to book again, and she was given a date for 15 January 2024,” said Sekgotodi.
Sekgotodi said that the complainant was used as an (undercover) agent after a Section 252A was granted by the Hawks. She reportedly transacted with the target.
“ After the transaction it was found that there were other learners who also paid the gratification to pass the learners licence test. Entrapment money of R1000.00 was recovered, and an extra R9600.00 was confiscated from the two suspects,” said Sekgotodi.
It is furthermore reported that other applicants, who were also writing the test on Monday 15 January, submitted their statements since they allegedly paid gratification as well.
Sekgotodi said that the two officials were immediately arrested and detained.
Sekgotodi has further requested the public that had been robbed by the dirty traffic officials to come forward.
“ Members of the public who paid gratification to the suspects are urged to come forward and submit their statements,” said Sekgotodi.
The case was postponed to 26 February 2924 for further Investigation.
