Illegal Foreigner Bust Selling Driver’s Licenses

An unannounced visit to the Midrand Driv er Licensing Testing Centre (DLTC) by the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ked ibone Diale-Tlabela, departmental head, Dr Thulani Mdadane, as well as the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Logistics, Greg Schneemann, uncovered sev eral irregularities, including an undocumented foreign national who was selling fake driver’s licenses from the facility. This shocking discovery has opened suspi cions of probable illegal sales of licences at fa cility, prompting investigations to be initiated. “During our visit, we identified the presence of so-called ‘runners,’ including an undocu mented foreign national who was facilitating services for other undocumented individuals,” said Diale-Tlabela. “This raises serious con cerns about the possible sale of licences to people who are not legally in the country,” she added. The MEC commended the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) Anti-Fraud Unit and the Department of Home Affairs An ti-Fraud Unit for their swift intervention and confirmed that criminal investigations are un derway. “We will ensure that all matters un covered are pursued to their conclusion, and that accountability is enforced,” confirmed Tlabela, who reaffirmed to the community that the department will intensify its oversight across all Driver Licensing Testing Centres to ensure full compliance by the centres and en sure that corruption is rooted out. “We are disappointed by the conduct of some of our officials who fail to uphold the standards expected of frontline public serv ants,” said Tlabela. The MEC reiterated that this visit marks the beginning of a prov ince-wide crackdown on fraud and maladmin istration within licensing centres. Diale-Tlabela reminded the officials of their oath and urged them to honour and uphold the values of clean and accountable governance. “The continued corruption and fraud at some of our DLTCs is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” concluded Tlabela. Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Logistics, Greg Schneemann addressed the dire state of affairs at the facility. “What we witnessed is deeply troubling. If staff can disrespect government officials, one can only imagine how they treat ordinary citi zens,” said Schneemann. Schneemann further confirmed the worst reports of bribery and fraudulent activity, including the use of a fake passport.“These are not rumours, they were verified on site. We fully support the MEC, the City (of Joburg) , and law enforcement agen cies in investigating and taking firm action against any officials implicated in corruption,” confirmed Schneemann.