SAICB and Gauteng Province launch anti-fraud programme

Hugo van Zyl

"Fraud and corruption must continuously be tackled to prevent criminal syndicates gaining access to vehicle registration systems," said MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi.

"Criminal networks target officials within government institutions to register stolen vehicles and then sell these vehicles back to unsuspecting members of the public. So our partnership with the bureau is to improve the skills set of our officials so as to prevent corruptive practices taking root within testing centres," he added.

Internal investigations

Hugo van Zyl, chief operating officer of the SAICB, welcomed the initiative saying that his organisation and the department have signed a memorandum of understanding to collectively and aggressively address the issues of fraud and corruption.

"Our training programme will serve to equip compliance personnel of the department and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality to be well positioned to conduct internal investigations into fraudulent transactions at registration authorities, vehicle testing stations and DLTCs in the province," said Van Zyl.

The SAICB estimates that almost 60% of vehicles stolen and hijacked in the country are re-sold locally to innocent buyers.

Cloning of vehicles

Louwrens Liebenberg of the SAICB pointed out that cloning of motor vehicles is an ever increasing phenomenon that also needs to be actively addressed by government and the private sector. The SAICB, which represents the insurance industry in the fight against organised crime, has vast experience in dealing with vehicle-related criminal syndicates.

The joint programme will emphasise best practices, legislation, and audit processes to ensure that fraudulent and corrupt activities are uncovered and will result in the successful prosecution of perpetrators.

Also, it will ensure that internal investigations are aligned to add value to cases reported to the SAPS for further investigation.