Two men were sentenced in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court last week after being convicted of fraud relating to a learner licence test earlier this year.
An examiner at the Durbanville Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) raised the alarm after noticing that one of the people completing the test was not the original applicant on Wednesday March 1.
The centre’s manager investigated and found the applicant (who was waiting outside) had asked a friend to write the test on his behalf as he has a sight issue and was not adequately prepared to complete the written test himself. The friend also completed the eye test.
JP Smith, mayoral committee member for safety and security; and social services, said the two men, Thandwxolo Jimlongo and Ncdekele Mbevu, were arrested on a charge of fraud and detained at the Durbanville police station.
“The case against them was finalised this week when they were each sentenced to a fine of R6000 or 12 months imprisonment, of which R3000 or six months imprisonment was suspended for five years, with conditions attached,” he said.
“This was quite an expensive lesson for these two men and now they also have criminal records to boot, proving once again that crime does not pay.
“While bribes are not uncommon, this incident was on another level altogether, and I thank the vigilant examiner who lifted the lid on the scam.
“I know that acquiring a licence to drive can be a taxing experience for many people, but I appeal to the public to stick with the longer route instead as short-cuts could have far-reaching consequences down the line.”
The City confirmed that both men had paid the fines.