Minister Carlisle Issues Stern Warning to Fraudulent Driving Licence Seekers

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

"Do not try your luck. Obtaining a driving licence through corruption is a criminal offence 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 ongoing. The SAPS, along with dedicated officials, remains 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."