Thirty people are expected to appear in the Richards Bay Magistrate’s Court tomorrow following their arrest in connection with the fraudulent issuing of driver’s licences in exchange for R2 500.

This occurred at the Melmoth Driving Licence Centre which falls under Mthonjaneni Municipality in KZN.

According to the KZN Department of Transport, the traffic and transport inspection unit and the Hawks initially arrested nine people – two examiners and 10 licence applicants who benefitted.

The number has since increased to 30 and the department has revoked all learner’s licences issued by those arrested.

Transport MEC Siboniso Duma says this is part of an ongoing fight against fraud and corruption associated with the issuing of driver’s licences.

“This is a clear indication of our determination to suffocate this criminal syndicate, which includes examiners, driving school owners and applicants.

“Our message is that fake drivers who underwent fake driving tests will be removed from our roads, arrested, and locked up in jail.

“We do this to end carnage on our roads and to save innocent lives,” says Duma.

Meanwhile, yesterday in Mpumalanga, eight traffic officials and the owner of a driving school were also arrested for fraud.