In Learner’s Licence Corruption Case
Reporter – George April
Cape Town:- After nearly a decade-long legal process, justice has finally caught up with two traffic officers, and a civilian implicated in a learner’s licence fraud scheme in Ashton, Western Cape.
Karel Davids (53) and Andile James Dondolo (57), both traffic officers employed by the Ashton Traffic Department, along with civilian Jason Naidoo (59), were convicted of corruption by the Cape Town Regional Court on Monday, 7 July 2025.
The convictions stem from an investigation launched in 2016, when authorities received reports that learner’s licences were being issued illegally. The Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, took charge of the case and swiftly identified the suspects.
According to investigators, the two officers colluded with Naidoo in the issuing of fraudulent learner’s licences in exchange for bribes. The accused were arrested in August 2016, following a covert probe that exposed their involvement in the scheme.
After years of delays, the trial finally began in September 2019. All three accused were released on bail at the time, but on the day of conviction, their bail was revoked. They were remanded in custody pending sentencing.
Sentencing is scheduled for 29 August 2025, when the court is expected to deliver its ruling on the punishment for the convicted trio.
The Hawks have welcomed the outcome, reinforcing their message that corruption within public service ranks will not be tolerated. The case also highlights the ongoing challenge of rooting out fraud in departments tasked with upholding road safety and the law.
