A man believed to be an IT specialist and part of a cartel behind a multimillion-rand fraud involving the licensing of motor vehicles has been arrested in Parys, Free State.
The suspect was allegedly found in possession of the National Traffic Information System (Natis) at his private residence.
According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, the suspect was using the system to fraudulently assist vehicle owners with renewing their vehicle licences.
RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane: “On arrival at the location, members noticed a computer screen with a Natis logon screen on and user number and password typed in, ready to execute any transaction.”
He said Natis printouts and reports from different provinces were also found at the scene.
“Black flash books, papers with vehicle licence plates, Natis credentials and identity numbers were also found.”
Zwane said the suspect, believed to be an IT specialist, implicated former transport department officials, Natis users and active Natis users from different provinces and the national Department of Transport.
“The suspect alleged that the user numbers were bought from officials using memory sticks.”
According to the RTMC, the suspect alleged that they were a large team operating in southern Gauteng and the Free State.
“They have infiltrated all the provinces as they can access Natis using credentials provided by their official contacts in all the provinces.”
Zwane said the syndicate targets all driving licence testing centres (DLTCs) where the biometric system has not yet been installed.
“They also have credentials of Private Vehicle Testing Stations and are able to capture/declare a vehicle roadworthy on the system.”
He said the following items were seized: a black cooler bag containing documents, an HP laptop and desktop computers.
“The arrest represents a major breakthrough in investigations into activities of this syndicate.”
“The RTMC and the police have been investigating this for the past three years and believe that more arrests are imminent.”
Meanwhile, RTMC CEO Advocate Makhosini Msibi commended the team for the achievement.
Msibi called on the team to double their efforts and ensure that all other syndicates are arrested and face the full might of the law.
Zwane said investigations are continuing and the suspect is expected to appear in the Parys Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
IOL News