MARBLE HALL: Eight people, including five officials attached to the Marble Hall Driving Licence Testing Centre, a driving school owner and an alleged runner, appeared in court on Monday in connection with an alleged cash-for-driver’s licence corruption scheme.

The accused face charges of fraud and corruption following an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into suspected irregularities at the licensing department.

The matter was postponed to 21 September 2026 for address verification and to establish whether the accused have previous or pending criminal cases.

The accused are:

• Linah Mabitshela (53) – cashier and National Traffic Information

System (eNatis) officer.

• Collen Lwazi Mtshali (57) – alleged runner.
• Ephraim Mocheko (62) – traffic examiner for driving licences and eNatis officer.
• Dina Makena (49) – cashier and eNatis officer.
• Mpho April Aphane (43) – driving school owner.
• Petrus Herman Raga (48) – management representative and examiner of vehicles and driving licences, as well as an eNatis officer.
• Selemogae Molepo (63) – cashier and eNatis officer.
• Leuba Monama (63) – cashier and eNatis officer.

SIU investigation uncovers alleged licensing syndicate

The arrests follow a joint operation involving the SIU and the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence unit at the Marble Hall Driving Licence Testing Centre.

The operation was initially reported to have resulted in the arrest of four suspects. Three of those arrested were cashiers at the testing station, while another suspect was allegedly linked to the illegal distribution of learner’s licences.

According to information released by the SIU, a suspect from KwaZulu-Natal allegedly solicited R2,000 per learner’s licence, promising applicants that they would obtain licences without undergoing the required testing process.

The suspect allegedly worked with an accomplice in Limpopo, who in turn coordinated with examiners at the Marble Hall testing centre to process fraudulent applications.

Investigators further alleged that the suspected syndicate facilitated bulk transactions involving between 20 and 30 learner’s licences at a time, allowing applicants to bypass lawful licensing procedures.

The initial arrests reportedly followed an intelligence-led operation in which suspects from KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo were intercepted while allegedly travelling to collect unlawfully issued learner’s licences.

One suspect was reportedly found in possession of several learner’s licences.

Cash allegedly concealed during arrests

During the operation, three cashiers were arrested at the testing station.

The SIU said cash was allegedly found concealed on two of the women.

According to the unit, one cashier allegedly hid approximately R4,500 in her lower undergarment, while another allegedly concealed R800 in her bosom.

The three cashiers were reported to be facing charges of fraud, corruption and contravention of the Cybercrimes Act, relating to alleged tampering with the electronic National Administration Traffic Information System.

The subsequent appearance of eight accused indicates that the investigation has extended beyond the initial arrests.

The specific allegations and individual roles attributed to the additional accused will be tested through the criminal justice process.

Investigation continues

The SIU’s investigation is being conducted under its mandate to investigate corruption and maladministration in the transport sector, including irregularities involving the issuing of learner’s and driving licences and the manipulation of traffic information systems.

The unit has warned that criminal and disciplinary action may follow against individuals found to have participated in or facilitated unlawful licensing activities.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The case returns to court on 21 September 2026 for address verification and checks relating to the accused persons’ criminal records.

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