A driving instructor and a learner driver have been arrested for fraud in Pietermaritzburg as authorities intensify efforts to clamp down on illegal licence issuing.
The arrests were made during an intelligence-driven sting operation conducted by the Transport and Traffic Inspection Unit at the Umkondeni Driving and Testing Centre on Wednesday.
According to the provincial Transport Department, officials intercepted a conversation between the learner driver and the instructor, who is affiliated with a private driving school, regarding a payment of R1,800 in exchange for facilitating a driver’s licence.
In a statement, the department said the specialised unit has been tasked with dismantling a syndicate believed to be operating across several testing centres in the province, fraudulently issuing licences.
The department warned that any officials found to be involved in the scheme would face serious consequences.
“An employee of the department who is involved in this racket will be dealt with harshly,” the statement read.
Authorities further revealed that an estimated 30% to 50% of drivers on provincial roads may be using licences obtained through fraudulent or corrupt means, raising serious concerns about road safety and regulatory compliance.
Investigations are ongoing as officials work to identify and prosecute those linked to the broader network.