MEDIA STATEMENT

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has welcomed the arrest of seven Road Traffic Inspectorate Officers in Port Shepstone who were alleged that have been involved in extorting money from members of the public that are arrested for various traffic offences.

After an investigation initiated by RTI. South Africa Police Service through its Crime Intelligence Unit conducted a successful undercover operation that resulted in arresting of seven suspects today. The other two suspects are expected to be arrested soon. The head of Department Dr K.B. Mbanjwa has congratulated both RTI investigators and the police. He said this will send a clear message to those corrupt elements that are operating within the Department. This follows in heels of the successful launching of the operation Kuphelile which meant at stamping out corruption in issuing of drivers licences as well as operation Thathi Isikorokoro which is aim towards unroadworthy vehicle on our roads.

All arrested suspects are in custody they will appear in Port Shepstone magistrate Court tomorrow.

Last week Mr. Arthur Phillip Bryant who owns Private Testing Centre, was sentenced 16 years in prison and 6 years was suspended for five years. Mr. Alan Richard Brown and Mr. Sulraj Heeralall who are examiners were both sentenced to three years of which two years were suspended for five years. They were convicted for issuing fraudulent roadworthy certificates to unroadworthy vehicles.

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