Layla Hadid
The City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate is warning people to be careful when handing in documents at any of the Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) across the city. This warning comes after the City found over 400 cases last year where people tried to renew driving licences or get public driving permits using fake documents.
The City also discovered 297 suspicious licences, and after checking them, they found that 16 were fake. These licences were cancelled.
In addition, six people were arrested at the Goodwood DLTC and nine at Gallows Hill for fraud.
JP Smith, a member of the City’s Safety and Security team, said:
“People taking shortcuts is no surprise. However, it has massive implications for the individual if they are caught. The safety of other road users who have to contend with someone unfit to drive is compromised.”
Smith explained that some people manage to run away when they realize they’ve been caught. He also said that most staff at the centres don’t have the power to arrest people. Smith was surprised that people would even try to renew fake licences or get public driving permits with fake licences. He said:
“What is mind-boggling, is that people will arrive to renew fake licences or obtain public driving permits with those fake licences.”
Anyone who applies for a learner’s or driving licence needs to show valid identification and proof of where they live. When renewing a licence, people need to bring their current licence, ID, and proof of address. If someone is applying for a public driving permit (PrDP), they also need to provide a medical certificate and get police clearance.
For those with foreign driving licences, these licences need to be converted, which means they need to show valid documents like ID, passports, and visas.
Smith admitted that keeping track of everything can be difficult, especially with all the fraud issues in South Africa. He said:
“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 hope of securing a licence.”
Smith also mentioned that while there have been cases where people tried to cheat on learner’s licence tests, the City has introduced better checks, so this doesn’t happen as often anymore.
When it comes to the City’s staff, Smith said that dishonest behaviour isn’t allowed. He encouraged people to report any staff members involved in fake documents or licences to the City’s fraud hotline at [email protected].
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