Randburg License Testing Station now stands in quiet triumph after being at the center of controversy less than a month ago. People who use to stand outside offering quick driving tests and fake licenses have vanished. “Everything went quiet,” explains the Station Manager Charles van der Heever.
“We have a small problem with people sleeping near the station at night but most left since the Metro police and South African Police Services started patrolling Hans Schoeman Street.”
Metro police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar confirmed that between 2012 and 2013 there had been more visible policing near the station and 15 people were arrested for selling fraudulent learners and driving licences outside the station.
“We also want to caution the public not to buy licences from individuals,” he warned.
“It is illegal. These licences are not registered on the system and when people are stopped by the police they will be arrested for being in possession of a fraudulent licence.”
Randburg police spokesperson Johannes Maja said the Randburg police were patrolling the area but did not respond to any fraud claims because throughout the controversy they did not receive a single complaint.
Peggie Mars, founder of Wheel Well, a company based at the Brightwater Commons in Randburg, said she is happy that the people have gone and hopes they stay away.
“I have a problem with people getting driving licences without proper training and testing,” she said.
“Our families are killed by people who cannot drive properly.”
Mars said she would keep following up with the police and the Department of Community Safety to reduce corruption and protect children.
She also said she tried laying a complaint of fraud with the Randburg police, but her telephone call was not answered.
Van der Heever advised that proper procedure for booking for a licence involves entering the station, performing an eye test and being booked for a driving test.
Details: Randburg License Testing Station 011 793 3792, Metro police 011 375 5911, Randburg police 011 449 9000, Wheel Well 072 385 7121.
