SIU to investigate OUTA's roadworthy certificate fraud claims
Image: Doctor Ngcobo Independent Newspapers
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will investigate widespread corruption in the issuing of fraudulent roadworthy certificates, following the release of a damning report by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA).
The report alleges that vehicles which failed inspections in Gauteng were mysteriously issued roadworthy certificates by vehicle testing stations in Limpopo and North West sometimes in as little as 30 minutes.
OUTA has made the report public, citing overwhelming public interest. 'We cannot improve road safety while corruption at testing stations goes unchecked,' said Rudie Heyneke, OUTA's senior project manager.
'Issuing and accepting fraudulent roadworthy certificates is a criminal offence that has a direct impact on road deaths.'
Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has since referred the report to the SIU, where the findings will be included under the current investigation into the Department of Transport's affairs, as outlined in Proclamation 191 of 2024.
Collen Msibi, spokesperson for the Minister, said provincial authorities must act. 'Provinces will have to take remedial action. These fall under their watch,' Msibi said.
'The National Department is a policy-making department. But we are working closely with the MECs and the police on this matter.'
Msibi expressed confidence in the SIU's ability to deal with the matter decisively: 'We've seen results through the SIU investigations on fraudulent licenses in the past.'
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Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Khoza did not respond to calls and messages. 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