The Gauteng government has concluded a wide-ranging investigation into financial irregularities at 34 provincial licensing centres‚ identifying a syndicate that could involve hundreds of officials who have been accepting bribes in exchange for clearing unpaid fines. In coming days, 19 officials at licensing and testing centres across the province will be suspended‚ and criminal charges could be instituted against the private individuals and businesses that participated in the scam‚ Gauteng MEC for roads and transport Ismail Vadi said during a briefing in Johannesburg. "The investigation shows a clear trend of syndicated crime that probably involves a further 394 officials from (the centres) in Tshwane‚ Ekurhuleni‚ Sedibeng and West Rand‚ who could possibly by charged for 2‚791 fraudulent transactions. The total financial loss to the government is estimated to be R42m‚" Vadi said. The officials involved had been shifting unpaid fines or outstanding licence fees to other road users‚ u...
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