Two vehicle licence examiners were arrested at their testing station on Monday when the Hawks clamped down on them for issuing fraudulent roadworthy certificates.
The two men, aged 29 and 30, got a skrik when officers walked into Universal Roadworthy Station near Manenberg shortly before noon and put handcuffs on them in full view of customers.
The suspects, from Crawford and Ottery are part of a year-long investigation by the Hawks and the Provincial Transport Department.
It’s alleged the suspects took bribes and illegally certified nine vehicles.
Hawks spokesperson, Captain Philani Nkwalase, says in May 2018 traffic cops pulled over a truck in Somersert West which was not roadworthy although the driver had gotten a certificate barely an hour earlier.
Hawks arresting the two examiners. Picture: Monique Duval
“It’s better to ask what was right with that truck because there were so many defects it had to be transported back,” he says.
“It was a random check and the truck was found with defects but an hour earlier it had been certified by these examiners.
“That raised eyebrows and prompted the investigation by our team and the Department of Transport and Public Works.”
On Monday, Hawks officers went through paperwork and informed the duo they would face fraud and corruption charges.
Nkwalase says they had planned to arrest three examiners, but the third suspect did not pitch for work.
“There are about nine vehicles that were allegedly passed, but the defects were overlooked in exchanged for money.
“As the case unfolds the Hawks expect to make more arrests including the drivers who allegedly paid the bribes.”
The duo will appeared in the Athlone court on Tuesday.
Hawks spokesperson, Captain Philani Nkwalase. Picture: Monique Duval