A former senior traffic official of the Stellenbosch Municipality is heading to prison after being found guilty of corruption while in his position at the local municipality.

Elvis Frank Nontyi (55) was sentenced to six years in prison by the Bellville Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Friday 4 September.

The former senior superintendent was employed at Driver’s Licence and Testing Centre and found guilty of issuing learners and driver’s licenses in exchange for money to the tune of R5 550 between 17 March and 19 July 2022.

Using his access to the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS), Nontyi authorised to test applicants for learners and driver’s licences including the issuing thereof.

Three of Nontyi’s six year sentence is suspended for five years. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Major-General Mathipa Makgato, provincial head of the Hawks, was pleased with the sentence, which “sends a strong message to those who abuse their authority for personal gain”.