A parliamentary investigation has uncovered alleged widespread abuse of South Africa's Traffic Register Number (TRN) system, with lawmakers warning that the mechanism has become vulnerable to fraud and exploitation by criminal syndicates.
Parliament's Portfolio Committees on Transport and Home Affairs revealed that the system, originally designed to allow foreign nationals without South African identity documents to legally register and operate vehicles in the country, is allegedly being used for purposes far beyond its intended scope.
According to the committees, undocumented migrants are reportedly using TRNs as an alternative form of identification to open bank accounts, purchase vehicles and remain in the country without the necessary immigration documentation.
Lawmakers heard allegations that as many as one million TRN applications may have involved fraudulent documentation, with the non-expiring registration numbers allegedly being used as substitutes for visas and other legal residency documents.
Chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Transport, Donald Selamolela, described the findings as deeply concerning.
Selamolela said the system was initially introduced to assist foreign nationals who were temporarily residing in South Africa and needed a mechanism to register vehicles for business or personal use despite not possessing South African identity documents.
He expressed disappointment that a measure intended to provide practical support had allegedly been manipulated for unlawful purposes.
Selamolela called on government departments and relevant entities to act urgently to identify fraudulently obtained TRNs and prevent their continued misuse.
The committees also recommended that the TRN system be overhauled and integrated with the Department of Home Affairs' databases to improve verification processes and reduce opportunities for fraud.
According to Selamolela, the issue highlights broader challenges related to poor coordination between government departments.
He argued that a lack of integration between state systems has contributed to vulnerabilities that criminal networks are now exploiting, adding that illegal immigration remains a significant challenge that places pressure on communities and public resources.
During the inquiry, members heard evidence suggesting that some TRNs issued at the Barkly West licensing office were duplicated within minutes in Cape Town. In one reported case, a single cellphone number was allegedly used to register multiple TRNs, raising further concerns about weaknesses in the system's controls.
The committees have called for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged fraud and for urgent reforms to strengthen oversight, improve data-sharing between departments and restore the integrity of the vehicle registration system.