FREE STATE – Fourteen out of the eighteen accused who were arrested following an investigation into alleged corruption related activities at the Lengau Traffic Department and four private testing stations from the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and Limpopo have been granted bail of between R5000 and R10000 respectively by the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court on Friday.
The remaining four suspects were remanded in custody until Thursday where they are expected to apply for bail.
The 18 accused including a police official, Administration Clerks and Examiners were arrested simultaneously at the four provinces on 4 November 2020 following allegations of corruption.
It is alleged the suspects were approached by members of the public who did not want to follow the correct procedure of introducing deregistered vehicles back on the e-Natis system.
In the case where the vehicle needed a police clearance, the member of the public will be referred to the relevant office and a certificate will be issued that the vehicle is cleared whereas, the vehicle was not physically inspected by the assigned police official.
This will also take place in case where a vehicle requires a road worthy certificate.
After the completion of each transaction, the member of the public will pay the official a requested fee in order to obtain the necessary documentation.
The amount of money requested differs from R3000 to R8000. The fraudulent and corrupt activities flowed to the different provinces.
Motseng Sephana (37), Sister Isabel Segwane Hans (49), Mphikelele Walter Goliath (35), Sphokazi Swapi Mbonda (41), Teboho Morake(50), Tibello Lekale (36), Ralebeko William Sebitlo (31), Lucia Vuyokazi Manga (39), Diau Charles Djaka (52), Ntebaleng Agnes Annah Mahamotsa (37), Ditlhare Moloi Mofokeng ( 33), Ndumiso Mfanafuthi Mthembu (35), Thobani Mpumwana (35) and Nikkie Keamogetswe (39) were granted bail of between R5000 and R10000 each.
Tumelo Jackson Lesufi (30), Nthabiseng Joyce Nhlapho (35) Boithumelo Abel Mahlatji (31) and Mankwana Robetfta Lefophane ( 32) and Nikkie Keamogetswe (39) are still in custody pending their next appearance next week Thursday.
The 14 accused will appear again on 19 January 2021.
