A Northern Cape traffic official, who was found guilty of issuing a driving licence to an applicant without the test being done, has been slapped with a fine and a suspended sentence.
A NORTHERN Cape traffic official, who was found guilty of issuing a driving licence to an applicant without the test being done, has been slapped with a fine and a suspended sentence.
Erick Basson, 51, was sentenced for fraud in the Upington Regional Court on Monday. He was found guilty of issuing a driving licence to a Pakistani national, Tahir Ali, 35.
According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) both men were arrested in April 2016.
“Their arrests came after information was received regarding a traffic officer issuing driving licences without the necessary driving test,” explained provincial Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi.
“The learner driver, Ali, came from Cape Town to receive his driving licence. His test was scheduled for 11am, however, it never took place. Yet, the driving licence was later issued to him and the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team caught them during the exchange process.”
Mnisi said the duo were arrested and made numerous court appearances leading up to their convictions.
Ali pleaded guilty to fraud and was sentenced to a fine of R5,000 or three years imprisonment, wholly suspended for a period of five years on condition that he is not convicted of fraud during this time.
Mnisi said Basson also pleaded guilty to fraud and was sentenced to five years imprisonment, wholly suspended for a period of five years on condition that he is not convicted of fraud during this time.
