Three suspects arrested for fraud in Ekurhuleni road operation

The EMPD Overloads Control Unit officers conducted a Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) operation on April 14.

During the operation, members came across a Grey Hyundai vehicle, parked on the side of the road.
Upon approaching, the driver alleged that he had run out of fuel.

Members helped by transporting him to a nearby filling station.

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“Upon returning, officers conducted a systematic check and noticed that the vehicle was operating as an Uber passenger transport vehicle. The driver was then requested to produce his driving licence, Professional Driving Permit (PrDP), passport and work permit,” said EMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa.

“The driver was only in possession of a passport. Upon inspection, members noticed suspicious features on the passport and contacted the Immigration Office for verification. The results revealed that the passport was fraudulently made and registered under a female,” said Thepa.

“Furthermore, two pedestrians found hitchhiking on the freeway were searched and arrested for possession of fraudulent work permits and expired passports. In addition, four foreign-registered motor vehicles were also stopped and found to be driven by South African drivers who failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the vehicles. The faulty vehicles were subsequently impounded.

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“All three suspects, aged between 25 and 32, were arrested and are facing charges of fraud, contravention of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, and working without valid work permits. The suspects were detained at Elsburg Police Station,” she said.

“The vehicle used for operating as a taxi was impounded and taken to the EMPD impound yard for contravention of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA) 5 of 2009, for operating for reward without a valid operating permit,” said Thepa.