A former driving school instructor in the North West has been jailed for three years’ direct imprisonment for his role in a corruption scheme involving the illegal issuing of driver’s licenses.

Moatlhodi Matthews Nthutang, 64, a former instructor at Highway Driving School, was convicted and sentenced in the Hartswater Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday morning. 

Nthutang was arrested during a sting operation in March 2021 by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (known as the Hawks) after accepting a bribe to issue a code 14 driver’s license without proper testing.

A traffic official was also arrested.

Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi says the sting operation was led by the Serious Corruption Investigation team following information received in February 2021.

“During February 2021, information was received regarding the traffic official and the driving school instructor issuing code 14 driver’s licenses without proper testing of the candidates,” said Mnisi.

Learner drivers were reportedly instructed to pay R3,500 to obtain the licenses fraudulently.

Nthutang was ultimately found guilty and sentenced, while the traffic official was acquitted.

The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Northern Cape, Major General Steven Mabuela, praised the investigation team and prosecutors for their dedication in solving cases.

IOL News

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