“Sinenhlanhla Buthelezi (26), Mariam Abdullah Majiet (31), Samantha Christal Hughes (40) and Kgomotso Comfort Masindi (37) appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, facing charges of fraud and corruption,” said Hawks spokesperson, Captain Philani Nkwalase.

“They were arrested in Cape town, Jeffreys Bay and Port Elizabeth on Tuesday and Wednesday last week following an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation together with the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public works.”

Capt Nkwalase said that the four were allegedly linked to a syndicate implicated in processing fraudulent vehicle roadworthy certificates.

“These Western Cape vehicles were reportedly exempted from being physically tested at the testing stations in Jeffreys Bay and Port Elizabeth in exchange of bribes.”

Suspects released on R2000 bail

All four were each released on R2 000 bail and are expected to be back in the same court on 25 April 2019.

“Furthermore, the court ordered them not to go near any vehicle testing station and not to access NaTIS system.”

The issuing of false roadworthy certificates remains a challenge for authorities.

At least 230 000 fake roadworthy certificates are estimated to have been issued in 2012 alone.

The fraudulent issuing of Certificates of Roadworthiness (COR) and Certificates of Fitness (COF) was now rife while it poses a danger to be the vehicle drivers, their passengers and other road users.

Still, operating motor vehicle without roadworthy certificate carries a fine of R 1 000.

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