(Archive photo: SA Police/Facebook)
A prominent businessman from Mpumalanga is the 17th suspect to be arrested in connection with a car license scam of more than R60 million.
Demieties Peter Botes (47) appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and was released on bail of R15 000.
According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, Botes faces 261 charges of fraud stemming from transactions made in 2017 when his fleet of vehicles were allegedly fraudulently licensed by municipal officials.
The case was adjourned until July 20 this year when Botes and his co-accused will appear in the Mbombela Commercial Crime Court.
The first suspects in the case were already arrested by the Falcons in July last year. The arrests followed extensive investigations involving the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s national anti-corruption unit, the Hawks and the special investigation unit.
The investigation revealed that the administrative clerks manipulated the eNatis system to help motor vehicle owners avoid paying vehicle license fees and fines owed to the state.
The other accused are Thembi Millicent Motlohi (43), Allman Thabani Masuku (35), Xoliswa Celia Ngcelwane (52), Nompulelo Winnie Nxumalo (44), Agnes Nosipho Ndzinisa (54), Nkosinathi Samuel Gumede (37), Thabang Khumalo (Clifford ) (41), Nonhlanhla Precious Matsheka (42) and Nkosinathi Mahlalela (36).
Capt. Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi, Falcons spokesperson, said the investigation is ongoing and the possibility of further arrests cannot be ruled out.
