Hidden cameras snap crooks

2003-12-17 19:22

Johannesburg - At least 40 officials from various driver and learner testing centres (DLTC) in Gauteng were being investigated for corruption, provincial transport MEC Khabisi Mosunkuthu said on Wednesday.

He told reporters that nine of the officials were already facing internal disciplinary hearings.

"It is almost over a year now since we have been looking into corrupt practices by our officials at DLTCs and the investigation is bearing fruit," he said.

"The probe was conducted with a use of hidden cameras in most cases and by collecting crucial information from all stakeholders."

The announcement followed a recent moratorium put in place by Mosunkuthu on new bookings at all DLTCs.

He said at a meeting last week that operators from major driving school institutions confirmed that officials at DLTCs were heavily involved in illegal practices.

Mosunkuthu said he would announce telephone numbers of a new call centre that would be utilised, temporarily, for centralised booking for learner and driver test bookings.

"We expect to introduce more permanent call centres towards the end of January next year," he said.

"The closure of these centres, we are convinced, has assisted and will continue to assist in making sure that only qualified and competent drivers will drive on our roads."

- SAPA