LIMPOPO – Four suspects, including two driving school owners, a traffic examiner, and a former traffic officer, were arrested on 28 May 2025 in connection with a fraudulent driver’s licence scheme.

The suspects, aged between 37 and 61, were allegedly involved in a fraud and corruption syndicate at the Lephalale Testing Station in 2021.

The provincial Hawks spokesperson WO Lethunya Mmuroa said examiners conspired with driving school owners to issue learner’s and driver’s licences without following legal procedures in exchange for bribes.

“The case was initially uncovered by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit in Polokwane and the Road Traffic Management Corporation. A joint investigation led to the arrest of 11 suspects in February 2025 and a manhunt was launched for the remaining individuals,” he said.

Mmuroa said during the latest operation, one of the suspects (an examiner) was found invigilating learner’s licence tests despite being under investigation.

“Preliminary investigations revealed some discrepancies on the list of writers and further investigation was conducted. Fraud and corruption offences were detected and the matter was referred to the NPA and a warrant of arrest was issued against her. The suspect was contacted and handed herself to the Hawks at the Lephalale Police Station,” his statement read.

Three other suspects were traced and arrested in the Lephalale area and all four appeared in the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court today on charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering.

The provincial Hawks head, Major General (Adv) Gopz Govender praised the arresting teams.

“I believe in this team, and I know they will do their best to crack this case,” he said.

More arrested are expected as investigations continue.