The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport (KZN DOT) has suspended the North Coast Vehicle Testing Station, in Phoenix.
The move comes after a joint operation by law enforcement agencies, which uncovered irregular activities at the station.
The joint operation — conducted by KZN DOT, Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and SAPS Organised Crime Unit — uncovered fraud and corruption, which led to the arrest of two employees for allegedly issuing fraudulent vehicle roadworthiness certificates.
The MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, has welcomed the suspension of the vehicle testing station’s operations, saying that the issuing of fraudulent roadworthiness certificates undermines government’s efforts to reduce the scourge of road fatalities.
“Roadworthiness is a key prerequisite for motor vehicles to be on our roads. In many accidents, we have observed that unroadworthy vehicles, with all types of faults, have often been cited as major contributing factors and it is all because of individuals who have no respect for our laws and people’s lives.
“This bold decision by the department is a clear indication that we will deal harshly with all those who break the law, especially vehicle roadworthiness and driver licence testing stations.
“We will aggressively and proactively take radical measures to prevent road accidents, crashes and fatalities,” said MEC Mchunu. – SAnews.gov.za
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