Following arrests made recently by the South African Police Services (SAPS) of Driver Licensing Testing Centre officials and driving school owners in Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn, Minister Carlisle has issued a stern warning to others seeking to obtain driver’s licenses fraudulently.

“Do not try your luck. Obtaining a driving license through corruption is a criminal offense and those caught doing so will be put in jail,” said Minister Carlisle.

On 22 June 2012, two driving licence examiners from Calitzdorp were arrested for allegedly issuing fraudulent learner’s licences. A further driving licence examiner from Oudtshoorn was arrested, after another examiner provided an affidavit alleging criminal activities.

The owner of Simbela driving school, and later the owner of Mfundisi driving school as well as the driving instructor, was also arrested.

The Driver Licensing Testing Centres in both Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp remain closed while the investigation continues, however services at the Registering Authority in Oudtshoorn have resumed.

Minister Carlisle added, “The investigation is on-going. The SAPS, along with dedicated officials, remain committed to bringing those corrupt individuals to justice. We will do all that we can to ensure that unskilled drivers do not continue to threaten the safety of other road users on our roads.”