Hawks called in after RTI intercepts manganese truck

A truck driver transporting manganese from the Free State to Durban was taken in for questioning after authorities found medical fitness certificates suspected of being fraudulent in his possession during a late-night law enforcement operation in KwaZulu-Natal. The certificates, which are a key requirement for truck drivers seeking access to mines, were uncovered during the provincial Transport and Human Settlements Department’s #NenzaniLaEzweni operation. The RTI operation, which ran from 9pm on Thursday until 5am on Friday, targeted suspected cross-border crime involving heavy-duty vehicles.

KwaZulu-Natal Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo confirmed that Hawks members had been dispatched to assist Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officials. He said he was awaiting feedback from the members investigating the incident. Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said it formed part of continuing efforts to intercept trucks suspected of being involved in criminal activities.

Following the interception and impounding of 18 trucks in an intelligence-driven operation over the past four days, our highly dedicated RTI team has uncovered another major cross-border crime. “With KwaZulu-Natal strategically located around two major ports, syndicates are operating at night in an attempt to evade detection,” said Duma. He said the truck carrying manganese was travelling to Durban after the driver allegedly used fraudulent medical fitness certificates to gain access to mines in the Free State and other provinces. Duma said authorities continued to receive numerous tip-offs about trucks transporting undeclared and illicit goods, including expired and counterfeit products.