Don’t fake it ‘til you make it
25 August 2024
The City’s 18 Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTC’s) have had more than 400 instances in the past year of people trying to complete transactions like renewing driver’s licences or obtain public driving permits, using suspicious documents. Read more below:
Generally, anyone applying for a learner's or driving licence requires a valid form of identification and proof of address.
Where you're renewing your driving licence, you need to produce the current licence, identification and proof of address, and if you're applying for a public driving permit (PrDP), you also need to provide a valid medical certificate, and obtain police clearance.
Persons with foreign driving licences are required to have them converted, which also requires valid documentation like identity documents, passports and visas.
'It is a lot to keep track of, especially considering that we do have ongoing challenges with various types of fraud in this country. Some people continue to buy their licences, while others will risk presenting fake documents at the DLTC in the hopes of securing a licence. In the past, we've also seen attempts to cheat on learner's licence tests, but thanks to far more stringent checks and balances, such incidents are few and far between these days,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Between July 2023 and June 2024, the City's DLTCs recorded 430 incidents where documents submitted were questionable.
They also flagged 297 suspicious licences. Of these, 16 were confirmed to be fake, and revoked.
In addition, six applicants were arrested at the Goodwood DLTC on charges of fraud, and nine at Gallows Hill.
'People taking shortcuts is no surprise. However, it has massive implications for the individual if they are caught, but also the safety of other road users who have to contend with someone who is unfit to drive. Unfortunately, many suspects make a run for it when they realise the jig is up. Also, the majority of staff at DLTCs are administrative, and do not have powers of arrest. What is absolutely mind-boggling, is that people will arrive to renew fake licences or obtain public driving permits with those fake licenses,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Staff are trained to identify forged documents. In addition, procedures are in place to verify and check all documentation on the National traffic information system (NaTIS).
If a document is proven to be false, the person is required to complete a sworn affidavit, stating where they obtained the document and the reasons why.
An administrative mark is added to the person's name on NaTIS, and the DLTC also informs the Provincial Department of Mobility and the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit.
In terms of its own staff, the City does not tolerate dishonest practices, and anyone with information about staff involvement or collusion involving fake documents or licences, is encouraged to report it to fraud.hotline@capetown.gov.za
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
