Criminal records for KZN learner drivers who bribed examiners

Five suspects pleaded guilty to fraudulently trying to obtain their learner's licences in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal [picture posed].
Five suspects pleaded guilty to fraudulently trying to obtain their learner's licences in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal [picture posed].
Image: http://www.123rf.com/HONGQI ZHANG

Five learner's licence applicants in KwaZulu-Natal have each been sentenced to five years imprisonment or a R5,000 fine after admitting to bribing licence examiners in a bid to get their licences fraudulently.

The sentence, half of which was suspended for five years, was handed down by the Durban Commercial Crimes Court this week.

"The five were arrested at uMngeni Licensing Office in Howick last year as part of an anti-corruption crackdown by the anti-corruption unit of the Road Traffic Management Corporation and the Hawks," said RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane.

The clean-up operation led to the arrest of 15 people, including six officials and nine applicants.   

A driving school operator, who was alleged to have facilitated the fraudulent transactions, was arrested two weeks ago, according to Zwane. He is expected to appear in court in April.

The case against the remaining four accused was postponed to April 24..

RTMC's CEO, advocate Makhosini Msibi, said the conviction was another victory in the battle against corruption.

"This should send a message to the public that crime does not pay," he said.

He added that the convictions would boost efforts to improve safety and reduce fatalities over the upcoming Easter period.

"The convicted applicants now have a criminal record against their names and this will  have negative consequences for them when looking for jobs," said Zwane.

Zwane said investigations into corruption at the Howick licensing office had not been concluded and more arrests were imminent.


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