Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison will take disciplinary action against six licencing officials for allegedly being involved in corruption at Lekwa’s licensing office in Standerton.
The officials were arrested on Friday, 23 August for allegedly falsifying vehicle ownership registration on the national traffic information system to enable truck owners to avoid payment of vehicle licensing fees, including penalties and arrears.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC), national traffic anti-corruption unit and police have been investigating this matter since 2017.
According to a statement issued by the RTMC, the provincial government has lost more than an estimated R67-million in unpaid fees because of corrupt activities.
The officials appeared last week in the Middelburg Regional Court and were each remanded on bail, ranging between R5 000 and R20 000.
The MEC of the department, Ms Gabisile Shabalala, said that although the department awaits the necessary processes to unfold, corruption should not be condoned.
“Officials must live within their means and not be involved in corrupt activities.
Ms Shabalala concluded by saying government should help them to eradicate corruption and not be party to perpetuating it.
“Those found on the wrong side of the law should face consequences because they tarnish the good work that many other officials are doing.”
https://standertonadvertiser.co.za/95865/six-traffic-officials-face-disciplinary-action-arrest-standerton/
