The five traffic officials from various parts of Mpumalanga, who on Tuesday were arrested in connection with fraud, theft and money laundering totalling R60m, made their first court appearance today.

Lindy Dinah Mantshwane (45) from Lydenburg, Lydia Sindiswa Maseko (47) from Piet Retief, Phindile Grace Maseko (49) from Delmas, Salibona Harriet Mlangeni (47) from Delmas and Zinhle Precious Tshabalala (36) from Amsterdam, appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court and were each granted bail of R15 000.

An investigation into this R60m fraud ring started in December 2018 and it is believed the suspects extended expired vehicle discs.

This was a joint operation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) based in Mbombela, the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit and the National Anti-Corruption Unit of the Road Traffic Management Corporation and the Special Investigation Unit.

“During a further investigation by the Hawks, it was established the cashiers had conspired with the motorists after they saw the opportunity of trucks owing large amounts of money. Officials would manipulate the system and extend the expiration dates of the vehicle licence discs and reissue new discs that showed a zero balance. Sometimes the truck owners would pay less than what they were supposed to have done, and the monies would then be paid to those cashiers for their own benefit – money meant for the department. This is termed money dumping and it amounted to R60m,” said Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Sekgotodi.

“As the Hawks, we shall leave no stone unturned. We shall investigate and arrest perpetrators of crime without fear, favour or prejudice. I want to thank all the investigators from various law enforcement agencies and those who finalised it for court,” said Hawks provincial head Major General Zodwa Mokoena.

Mokoena added that the investigation is continuing and that more arrests will follow. She further warned those who are involve themselves with corrupt activities that ‘their day is coming’.

Maseko, Mlangeni and Tshabalala had to hand over their travelling documents to the investigating officers. The case has been postponed to December 6.