Sakhile Mokoena

Sakhile Mokoena

The Department of Roads and Transport in Mpumalanga is investigating the fraudulent issuing of public transportation permits.

Department spokesman David Nkambule said that law enforcement action had resulted in the department confiscating 100 fraudulent temporary operating permits.

"The investigation regarding the issuing of these permits is still continuing," Nkambule said.

Since the launch of the Easter road safety plan the department had impounded more than 300 public transporters, he said.

Among the vehicles impounded were 302 minibuses and 16 buses.

Some were released after their owners had paid the R1500 admission of guilt fine.

Most of the vehicles were impounded for operating without public transportation permits, or operating licences, Nkambule said.

There were 343 summonses issued, particularly to public transporters for operating without transportation permits and driving without professional driving permits.