Twenty-eight individuals involved in Putco ticket fraud arrest

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Twenty-eight individuals involved in Public Utility Transport Corporation(Putco) ticket fraud have been arrested.

According to the corporation its inspectorate team and local police apprehended one suspect with multiple counterfeit tickets, allegedly in the process of selling them to other passengers.

Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu said they are encouraged by the progress in addressing ticket fraud, which previously resulted in over 25 passengers being convicted for possessing counterfeit tickets in February 2024.

He stated that the court sentenced these individuals to a suspended 3-month direct imprisonment or fines of
up to R5000.

“Recent convictions saw eighteen suspects with monthly tickets sentenced to three months direct imprisonment or a R5000 fine, with the fine suspended for five years.

Suspect behind bars for Putco’s ticket fraud

“Six suspects with weekly tickets were also sentenced to twenty days direct imprisonment or a R1000 fine, with the fine suspended for five years.

“Whilst one suspect with a monthly ticket was sentenced to three months imprisonment or a R5000 fine, with R2500 payable immediately and the remaining R2500 suspended for five years,” Xulu explained.

He highlighted that this individual had a prior conviction for theft.

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Xulu added; “We acknowledge that many of those apprehended are end users of counterfeit tickets produced by individuals who remain at large.

“Putco and the police are actively pursuing these manufacturers through ongoing investigations and planned special operations.

“These actions highlight Putco’s commitment to combating ticket fraud and maintaining the integrity of public transportation.”