Cape testing station suspended
Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works, Robin Carlyle, serves an order on one of the employees of Bedgro Vehicle Testing Centre in Atlone on evidence of malpractice. One of the Hawks is seen here removing some of the business files from the premesis, Photo: Jason Boud Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works, Robin Carlyle, serves an order on one of the employees of Bedgro Vehicle Testing Centre in Atlone on evidence of malpractice. One of the Hawks is seen here removing some of the business files from the premesis, Photo: Jason Boud
A vehicle testing station in Athlone was suspended and temporarily closed by MEC of Transport and Public Works Robin Carlisle on Thursday after an investigation by the department and the Hawks showed substantial evidence reflecting serious criminal activities.
The department received a tip-off about a number a vehicles that were issued with roadworthy certifications by the centre, but were never presented for a roadworthy test. This was confirmed by a department system where all registration information is kept.
A department official then visited the centre for investigations and noticed that out of the 12 certifications issued on that specific day, only three vehicles were physically tested. The official then confronted the owners, who attempted to bribe him with cash payments.
After laying a charge, the official returned to the centre with a hidden camera and captured footage which apparently shows one of the centre’s owners handing over two separate payments, one said to be of R5 000.
The owners appeared in the Kuils River Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where they face charges of bribery.
Carlisle said they were later released on an undisclosed bail amount, and more charges were expected to follow.
A briefing was held on Thursday afternoon and, minutes later, a convoy of traffic officials, the Hawks and police made there way to the vehicle testing station, where Carlisle handed over a letter of suspension.
On arrival, Carlisle introduced himself to a member of management who seemed confused and reluctant to talk.
He then handed over a letter of suspension. The letter, meant for the owners, who were not present, said the department had been in possession of affidavits proving alleged criminal activity by both the owners and employees. The letter later stated that the station be immediately and temporality suspended in terms of the National Road Traffic Regulations for a period of 30 days, until the final decision on whether to prolong the suspension or close the station.
“I am angered. We will not tolerate any fraud and corruption. We have received complaints of other centres, which will be investigated,” Carlisle said.
Chief director for transport operations Yasir Ahmed said this operation, in line with the department’s Safely Home campaign, aimed to reduce road fatalities by 50 percent by 2014.
“The campaign, driven by Mr Carlisle, focuses on road safety in general. This includes the roadworthying of vehicles, evaluating the fitness of vehicles and, most importantly, the improvement of drivers’ behaviour,” he said.
chad.cupido@inl.co.za - Cape Times