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Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has welcomed the arrest of three
men and two women yesterday (11 November 2009), believed to be part of a
syndicate which sold fake learner and driving licences in and around
Bloemfontein.

*We want to commend the SAPS and all other role-players on these
arrests which form part of a forensic investigation that was initiated
by the Department of Transport into allegations of fraud and corruption
relating to learner and driving licences around the country. More
arrests in other provinces can be expected in the next few days. We want
to appeal to members of the public who may have any information that may
assist in these investigations to please contact their local police. You
can run but can*t hide.
*In line with President Zuma's State of the Nation Address on 3 June
2009, we have adopted a zero tolerance stance when it comes to
corruption in the Department of Transport. We are committed to the
reform and tightening of the regulatory regime and instruments dealing
with anti-corruption, particularly with regards to learner and driving
licences. One of our key focus areas relate to advancing the
coordination, implementation and integration of anti-fraud and
anti-corruption transport measures across the three spheres of
government.
*In order to address fraud and corruption in the driving licence
system, we are moving towards computerised testing systems and have
rolled out mobile and fixed stations in parts of the country.
KwaZulu-Natal already has 21 fixed stations and two mobile stations;
Gauteng has one fixed station and two mobile stations; Mpumalanga has
three fixed stations and one mobile station.
*Working with Home Affairs, we will also ensure, as of next year,
that our new driving licence cards have enhanced security and
unquestionable integrity to be accepted in our country and
internationally. The contract of the current service provider for the
drivers' smart cards expired on 30 April 2009. It was extended to 31
December 2009 to allow for a proper tender process. We will appoint a
new service provider soon,* said the Minister.
The group arrested yesterday (11 November) were apprehended during
raids that started on Tuesday and lasted until Wednesday afternoon. The
operation commenced three weeks ago after information was received about
people developing and selling learners* and driving licences. Among
other things, Police seized a computer and a colour printer believed to
have been used to develop the fake licences.