Large counterfeit licence disc syndicate dismantled

The National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), working alongside the Hawks, has effectively dismantled a syndicate responsible for producing and distributing counterfeit license discs and operator cards during a joint law enforcement operation in Mtubatuba.

Mtubatuba is just north of Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal.

Counterfeit licence discs

The operation took place following intelligence regarding an identified house suspected of generating counterfeit licence discs and operator cards, which were being sold to truck operators.

It was found that several trucks, previously discontinued from service, were being illegally operated with these fake documents, bypassing roadworthy checks.

Armed with a Section 252A authorisation and a search warrant, NTACU investigators initiated contact with a runner involved in the distribution of the counterfeit documents.

A transaction was carried out between the agent and the runner, during which a fake licence disc and operator card were handed over in exchange for R1 500 fee.

Following the transaction, the runner and an accomplice were arrested on the spot.

A search warrant was executed at the identified house, leading to the arrest of another suspect and the seizure of three laptops, multiple fake licence discs, and the operator card previously sent to the runner.

Truck operators

After a thorough inspection of the suspect’s phone, numerous photos of expired licences sent by various individuals were found.

Upon further investigations a fourth suspect was located and arrested after being found in possession of two fake licence discs.

His cellphone also contained images of various fake discs.

The money used in the transaction during the operation was also recovered from the runner.

Investigations into the syndicate’s operations are ongoing.

It is suspected that the group was responsible for supplying a large number of fake discs and operator cards to tipper truck operators in the region.

The NTACU remains committed to dismantling illegal operations that compromise road safety and the integrity of the traffic system.

Well played to all involved!