Kimberley motor registration centre closed after driving licence syndicate bust

THE motor registration centre will be closed on Friday October 25 after three employees from the Kimberley traffic department were arrested in connection with a syndicate that has allegedly been issuing fraudulent drivers licences.

This follows an investigation that was launched in 2023 by the police in the Free State Organised Crime Unit that targeted a syndicate operating within the licensing sector in the Free State and Northern Cape.

Free State SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele said three employees between the ages of 30 and 50 years were taken into custody in Kimberley.

"Another two civilian suspects aged 52 and 62 years were arrested in Petrusburg."

Makhele stated that the five suspects were believed to have been involved in orchestrating a scheme that enabled unqualified individuals to illegally obtain driver's licenses.

"The suspects are currently facing charges related to corruption, fraud, and other associated offences and will appear in court soon."

The Free State provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane stated that they remained committed to upholding the integrity of the licensing system.

"We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who undermine it are brought to justice. We would like to thank the community for their support during this investigation and encourage anyone with further information to come forward," Motswenyane said.

Spokesperson for Sol Plaatje municipality Thabo Mothibi said the Kimberley motor registration centre would reopen on Monday, October 28.

"The necessary arrangements are being made to replace staff members who were arrested on Thursday.

We regret the inconvenience caused," he added.