Cape Town – Two vehicle examiners at testing centres in Vredendal have been busted on claims of corruption after they allegedly manipulated roadworthy certificates.
The Serious Corruption Investigation team of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) made the arrests earlier this week following an intense investigation into the two officials.
Deon Andrew Johnson, 50, and his colleague, Michael Williams, 54, who were employed at two different vehicle testing stations, made an appearance in the Vredendal Magistrate's Court on Thursday.
The State is set to prove that the duo had manipulated and abused the system by unlawfully issuing roadworthy certificates for vehicles that were never tested for certification.
These alleged acts of corruption took place between 2018 and 2019.
Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani of the Hawks said the men were charged with corruption relating to accepting gratification in exchange for the certification of roadworthy motor vehicles at Goodwood and We Do Roadworthy testing stations.
They were granted bail.
“The accused appeared in court on September 26, 2024, following their arrest by the Hawks' Serious Corruption Investigation team, Bellville, and were released on R3 000 bail each,” Hani said.
“The matter has been remanded to 1 November, 2024, for finalisation of the charge sheet.”