Some testing stations face closure: minister

During the past seven months, the Ministerial Task Team appointed by Ndebele to investigate fraudulent vehicle roadworthy certificates has been gathering evidence to verify the number of vehicles issued with roadworthy certificates in the various provinces, as well as vehicles that failed roadworthy tests, but were subsequently "roadworthied" at testing stations in other provinces.

"All roadworthy certificates issued by a testing station in a certain province but being licensed in another province are being flagged," the minister said. Over the past year, there were numerous arrests, convictions, dismissals and de-registrations of government officials and private individuals involved in fraud and corruption. Several licensing testing centres have also been shut down. "[W]e are closely monitoring testing stations suspected of issuing fraudulent roadworthy certificates as well as the entire testing station regulatory process such as testing stations not managing and/or controlling vehicle testing in accordance with relevant legislation," Ndebele told Allafrica.com.

"Various legislative amendments are also being considered in order to deal effectively with the issue of fraudulent roadworthy certificates, including amending the provisions whereby vehicles roadworthied in certain provinces are being licensed in other provinces," he added. Meanwhile, the department has warned that law enforcement officers will be out in full force during the festive season. "No mercy will be shown to any person who disobeys road rules. We call upon all road users to [obey] road rules. Before embarking on a trip, test yourself, test your vehicle and act responsibly on the roads. Road safety is everybody's responsibility," the minister said.

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