A group of people inside a court room. Thirty-three people appeared in the Richards Bay Magistrates’ Court on charges of fraud and corruption for the alleged issuing of drivers’ licences on Wednesday. Picture: KZN Transport and Human Settlements
Thirty -three people appeared in the Richards Bay Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday for the alleged issuing of fraudulent driving licences.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said the accused were charged with fraud and corruption.
Ramkisson-Kara said of the 33 accused, 23 appeared previously in court in July, while 10 made their first court appearance on Wednesday.
“Two of the accused are examiners from the licensing centre [Melmoth Driving Licence Centre], while others are alleged to have fraudulently applied for their driver’s/learner’s licences,” she said.
Bail was set at various amounts, depending on the accused’s submissions to court,” she said.
“Bail conditions are that they attend court and do not interfere with witnesses,” said Ramkisson-Kara.
According to Ramkisson-Kara, two accused aged 16 and 32 were not present in court.
The case was adjourned to November 26 for some of the accused to finalise their legal representation.
KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said an accused with a fake driving licence missed the court appearance after being involved in a car accident.
Duma said he was involved in a road accident while driving with a fake driving licence.
“Accused number 16 also missed the court case without any explanation. A warrant for his arrest has been issued,” he said.
Duma said to date there were 87 people who would be rounded up and brought to court to face the music.
“We are sending out a strong message that the culture of impunity and perception of a relatively easy life through fraud and corruption is a thing of the past.
“We reiterate our message that fake drivers who obtained their driving licences fraudulently will be removed from our roads, arrested, and locked up in jail.”
The Mercury