A FREIGHT truck driver was fined a staggering R800 000 for operating with an expired licence and for multiple unpaid traffic fines, following a joint law enforcement operation recently.

The driver was fined during a routine freight compliance blitz conducted on South Coast Road and Solomon Mahlangu Drive, near The Bluff.

According to eThekwini Municipality, the operation was part of Transport Month activities.

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The units involved in the operation included:

• eThekwini Transport Authority
• Metro police
• Fire services
• Road Traffic Inspectorate and,
• The Border Management Authority.

The operation focused on ensuring freight trucks comply with key regulations such as vehicle weight limits, permits, and roadworthiness.

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Fraudulent document charges were also filed against another individual

“Authorities also uncovered fraudulent dangerous goods permits, leading to the arrest of a woman allegedly involved in producing fake documentation. Counterfeit regulatory stamps and altered permits were confiscated during the operation,” eThekwini said in a statement.

ETA road safety senior manager Ravina Sewlall said non-compliance and unroadworthy vehicles remain a major challenge.

She noted that fines issued during the campaign included:

• R5 000 for failure to display a dangerous goods certificate
• R2 500 for failure to renew the certificate
• R1 500 for failure to maintain fire extinguishers.

The Road Freight Association CEO, Gavin Kelly, warned that transporting hazardous materials without proper certification poses serious risks. Kelly urged operators to ensure compliance.

*Notice: Correction (29 October 2025): An earlier version of this article included a feature image that depicted a truck bearing Desitrans branding. We have since replaced this image. The photograph was provided in a government press release about the freight compliance operation. We have since learnt that neither Desitrans, the company or its drivers were the subject of any sanctions or infractions arising from the operation.

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