Johannesburg -
A man has been arrested for being in possession of items used to create various falsified licenses and permits, Gauteng traffic police said on Saturday.
“The documents discovered are used to produce motor vehicle license discs, temporary drivers' license, temporary permits, taxi permits, learners' licenses and discs for trailers,” spokesman Obed Sibasa said in a statement.
Johannesburg testing station stamps, a false ID document and a computer allegedly used to produce false documents were amongst the items seized.
“The arrest came after months of investigation and following up on (a) suspected syndicate, believed to operating across South Africa and outside the country.”
The 37-year-old man, from Nigeria, was arrested late Friday afternoon outside the Gauteng traffic police offices on Kruis Street in the Johannesburg CBD.
Gauteng was at the moment experiencing a high rate of fatal road accidents, with many of the cars involved having false road worth certificates, license discs and other documentation, said Sibasa.
“Authorities will visit people already issued with the unlawful documents as part of the investigation.”
Gauteng traffic police urged the public to go through the correct channels when registering their cars, applying for licenses and when visiting testing stations.
“Gauteng traffic police and national crime intelligence are investigating, also looking for the ring leader and other suspects belonging to the alleged syndicate,” said Sibasa.
“We hope to make an arrest soon.”
The man was in custody at the Johannesburg police station and the investigation continued.
He was expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Monday. - Sapa