Eleven licensing officials arrested in Catfish operation

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Eleven licensing officials are set to appear in the Bloemfontein magistrate court following their arrest on allegations of fraud and corruption.

The suspects are implicated in fraud relating to the unlawful issuing of driving licences and roadworthiness certificates.

According to Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) spokesperson, Simon Zwane, the investigation was initiated by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit of the RTMC and registered by the Hawks as a collaborative effort.

“The officials were rounded up in Ladybrand in the Free State, Elukwatini in Mpumalanga and Rayton in Gauteng.

“The arrests follow three years of investigation code name Operation Catfish which identified examiners who were fraudulently issuing driver’s licences and roadworthy certificates at various testing stations.

“The investigation has established a link in corruption in all three provinces. The majority of the arrested officials are based at Lengau Testing Centre in Bloemfontein,” he stated.

Zwane added that this is part of ongoing efforts to remove all risk factors that contribute to a high number of crashes, injuries and fatalities on the roads.

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He further commended all the officers who were involved in this investigation and encouraged members of the public to report suspected acts of fraud, corruption, and malfeasance.

All the suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein magistrate court on Tuesday.

Investigations continue and more arrests are expected.