Mkondeni testing centre still open amid licence fraud probe

The Mkondeni Driving Licence Testing Centre remains fully operational, despite ongoing investigations into allegations of fraudulent licensing. The facility has recently been in the spotlight for alleged corruption within its licensing unit, with internal sources claiming that malpractice had become widespread. An investigation was launched following the arrest of a learner driver and her instructor on Wednesday, an incident that has exposed what is believed to be a broader network operating at what was once regarded as one of the top testing centres in KwaZulu-Natal.

Centre manager Siboniso Gwala said he was not authorised to speak to the media but reassured the public that the centre was open and operational. He referred further enquiries to Ndabezinhle Sibiya, spokesperson for KZN Transport and Human Settlements. Sibiya said the department is exploring decisive measures to dismantle the alleged criminal syndicate behind bribery and corruption in the issuing of driver’s licences.

These include a form of truth and reconciliation process aimed at encouraging individuals who obtained licences fraudulently to come forward and identify those involved. We will act decisively. Those implicated will be exposed and held accountable, whether they are part of private driving schools or officials within municipal or departmental testing centres.

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“At the same time, it is important to protect the many honest and hardworking public servants in our facilities,” said Sibiya. He also commended an examiner at the Mkondeni centre whose vigilance led to last week’s arrest of the learner driver and instructor.

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