The Bloemfontein’s Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team have napped on a woman who allegedly attempted to bribe an official at the Parys Driving Licence Testing Centre.
The suspect Johanna Kekana (49) was granted bail of R5 000 during her appearance on Tuesday, 27 May.
Col. Zweli Mohobeleli, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said information was received from a whistle-blower leading to her arrest on Thursday, 23 May.
“She was arrested after offering gratification to official to turn a blind eye on relicensing a truck which had outstanding fines over R177 000. The suspect arrived at the Parys Driving Licensing Testing Centre carrying R50 000 in cash. Her sole intention was to get the truck relicensed at a reduced price. The Hawks pounced on her immediately,” said Mohobeleli.
The suspect Kekana face charges of corruption and fraud. She is set to reappear in the Parys Magistrate’s Court on 9 July regarding the corruption and fraud matter.
Mohobeleli said the whistle-blower heard about the recent arrest of 17 people involved in driver’s license related corruption.
He said reliable information provided enabled the Hawks to successfully secure a court permission to conduct an undercover operation that yielded in the arrest of Kekana.
Maj Genl. Mokgadi Bokaba, provincial head of the Hawks, has praised the official for heeding the call to fight corruption.
“Members of the public often complain about corrupt officials who accept bribes. Our message is that they must desist from fuelling corruption by offering gratification. It is a criminal offense,” stress Bokaba.
