Agreement Mkhari 
Four suspects, including two driving school owners, a traffic officer, and a former examiner, have been arrested for alleged fraud, corruption, and money laundering. The suspects, aged between 37 and 61, were arrested on 28 May 2025 in Lephalale.
According to reports, the arrests relate to incidents that took place in 2021. It is alleged that examiners from the Lephalale Testing Station worked together with local driving schools to issue learner’s and driver’s licenses illegally, in exchange for bribes. These licenses were granted without following proper testing procedures.
The matter was investigated by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) unit in Polokwane, in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). After the investigation, the case was handed over to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which authorized warrants of arrest.
A joint operation between the Hawks and RTMC in February 2025 had already led to the arrest of 11 suspects. A manhunt was launched for the remaining individuals, resulting in the recent arrests.
One of the suspects, an examiner, was caught invigilating learners during a licensing exam. Discrepancies on the attendance list raised suspicions, which led to further investigation and the discovery of more fraudulent activity. She later handed herself over to the police.
The other three suspects were also tracked down and arrested in the Lephalale area. All four are expected to appear in the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court on 28 May 2025 to face charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering. Authorities say more arrests may follow.
