A coordinated police operation spanning two provinces revealed a syndicate reportedly selling driver’s licenses to ineligible motorists, resulting in the arrest of five suspects, including three traffic department personnel.
The arrests took place in Petrusburg and Kimberley as part of a 2023 probe into license corruption.
Two individuals, aged 52 and 62, were detained in Petrusburg, while three traffic department employees, aged 30 to 50, were apprehended in Kimberly.
The suspects were discovered and apprehended after a thorough investigation.
“These individuals are believed to have been involved in orchestrating a scheme that enabled unqualified individuals to illegally obtain driver’s licenses,” stated police spokeswoman Brigadier Motantsi Makhele.
The operation, directed by the Free State Organised Crime Unit and supported by Crime Intelligence, attempted to disrupt a syndicate operating in the Free State and Northern Cape, and resulted in the arrest of five suspects who were reportedly actively involved in this illegal activity.
“The Free State police remain committed to upholding the integrity of the licensing system and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who undermine it are brought to justice,” Free State police commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane stated.
The defendants are scheduled to appear in court soon on charges of corruption, fraud, and other offenses.
Motswenyane commended the community for their assistance with the probe and encouraged citizens to submit any more information.
