A 29-year-old court interpreter is set to appear in the George Magistrate’s Court after being arrested for allegedly running a fraudulent scheme involving the release of impounded taxis.
According to investigators, the man approached two taxi owners in March 2024 and introduced himself as someone with influence in the court system. He allegedly offered to help release their vehicles for R3,000 each.
It’s believed the interpreter used official charge sheets—reportedly stolen from the Thembalethu Court—and forged a magistrate’s signature to make the documents appear legitimate.
Authorities say this led to his arrest by members of the Hawks, who charged him with corruption, fraud, forgery, and uttering. He is expected to make his first court appearance on July 2.
Investigations into how he obtained the documents and whether others were involved are ongoing.