
10/10/2025
MEC ORDERS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS AFTER SHOCKING FINDINGS AT MIDRAND DRIVER TESTING CENTRE.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has called for criminal investigations following an unannounced oversight visit to the Midrand Driver Licensing Testing Centre (DLTC), where serious irregularities were uncovered on Thursday.
The visit, conducted as part of the MEC’s ongoing infrastructure monitoring in the Central Corridor, was undertaken alongside Portfolio Committee on Transport and Logistics Chairperson Greg Schneemann and Head of Department Dr Thulani Mdadane.
During the inspection, the delegation reportedly discovered the presence of “runners” — individuals suspected of facilitating the illegal sale of driving licences — including an undocumented foreign national assisting other undocumented persons.
“During our visit, we identified the presence of so-called ‘runners,’ including an undocumented foreign national who was facilitating services for other undocumented individuals. This raises serious concerns about the possible sale of licences to people who are not legally in the country,” Diale-Tlabela said.
The MEC commended the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) Anti-Fraud Unit and the Department of Home Affairs Anti-Fraud Unit for their swift response, confirming that criminal investigations are already underway.
The facility, which falls under the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, will now come under further scrutiny. Diale-Tlabela said she will be meeting with the City’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) to discuss the future of the centre.
“We will ensure that all matters uncovered are pursued to their conclusion, and that accountability is enforced. While we appreciate the hard work of many staff members, we are disappointed by the conduct of others who fail to uphold the standards expected of frontline public servants,” she added.
The MEC stressed that the Midrand visit marks the beginning of a province-wide crackdown on fraud and maladministration within licensing centres.
“We will intensify our oversight across all Driver Licensing Testing Centres to ensure full compliance and root out corruption. Our officials must remember that they serve the people of South Africa and should do so with dignity, integrity, and respect,” said Diale-Tlabela.
She further urged public servants to honour their oath of service and uphold clean and accountable governance, warning that corruption and fraud at DLTCs will not be tolerated.
Echoing her remarks, Schneemann said the conditions at the Midrand facility were “deeply troubling.”
“If staff can disrespect government officials, one can only imagine how they treat ordinary citizens,” he said. “Even more troubling, we confirmed reports of bribery and fraudulent activity, including the use of a fake passport. These are not rumours — they were verified on site. We fully support the MEC, the City, and law enforcement agencies in taking firm action.”
The unannounced visit forms part of the Department’s broader efforts to ensure that all testing centres across Gauteng operate with integrity, efficiency, and in full compliance with the law.