Traffic Officers in Hot Seat Over Alleged Tjotjo Deal!

OBTAINING a driver’s licence has become increasingly challenging.

Most learners and those seeking driver’s licences without money for bribes find it hard to acquire their licences.

This is because to get one, they’re subjected to bribes, or they’ll walk empty-handed.

Many have reported being forced into paying bribes ranging from R1 500 to at least R3 000 to obtain their licences. Without the money, they risk failing their tests deliberately.

However, they’re now happy that the Limpopo Hawks and Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) are cleaning the streets by arresting corrupt officials.

This after four more traffic examiners aged between 37 and 59 were arrested at the Bela Bela Testing Station, Limpopo, on Wednesday, 12 February.

This brings the total number of arrested traffic examiners to 23 in Lephalale, Thabazimbi, including Bela-Bela, since the beginning of February 2025.

The arrests followed an intensive investigation launched in 2021 to identify officials and testing stations who were issuing learners and driver’s licences without following proper procedures in return for gratification.

A 32-year-old man said he had to try four times to get his driver’s licence because he didn’t have money for a bribe.

“I had to pay R1 500 to get my learner’s licence because they make you fail if you don’t have it. From there, I thought I would pass the driving lessons since I was able to drive.

“To my surprise, I would fail without making any mistake. I tried three times and failed, but because I needed the licence to apply for a job, I had to pay another R1 500 bribe to get my licence,” he said.

A driving school owner (55) said the issue of paying bribes is ruining their businesses.

“We’re unable to attract customers because of this issue, and we’re happy that officials are dealing with it,” he said.

Limpopo Hawks spokesman Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa said the operation is still ongoing, and more arrests are imminent as the team is still busy with the operation to address fraud and corruption-related offences.

Advocate Makhosini Msibi, CEO of the RTMC, said the arrests would help reduce the corruption that has been negatively impacting the management of licencing in Limpopo.