RTMC crush 520 illegal cars from 2017 joint operation

Unlawfully purchased and fraudulently registered vehicles are facing their demise in the Eastern Cape after the RTMC has commenced with crushing 520 illegal cars after being impounded in 2017. 

520 illegal cars

Is it a Ford, is it a Toyota, is it a BMW? Who knows after the compactor has had its way with it.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) conducted a joint operation in 2017 along with the SAPS Eastern Cape Anti-Corruption Unit, National Anti-Corruption Unit, Special Investigative Unit, SAPS Vehicle Safety Storage Unit, SAPS Crime Intelligence Unit and the National Prosecution Authority. The operation impounded 520 fraudulently registered vehicles from the public by the Komga Registering Authority, SAPS and roadworthy centres.

520 illegal cars

A VW Jetta about to meet its demise.

The operation also resulted in the arrest of 17 suspects, some of whom were members of the SAPS and Department of Transport. Other foreign nationals were also taken into custody and are believed to be kingpins of a syndicate that would collude to fraudulently register vehicles on the National Traffic Information System (eNatis). 

Watch here as a BMW 1 Series is compacted and destroyed. 

520 illegal cars

Most of the fraudulently registered vehicles were imported from Japan.

RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane stated that the foreign vehicles, which were mostly imported from Japan for a reduced price, were intended to be put into transit and arrive at other African markets. According to Zwane: “Two SAPS VSS members would then issue fraudulent police clearances for the vehicles and Roadworthy centres would fraudulently issue certificates of road worthiness.”

This means that a minimum of three specific officials were required to push these 520 illegal cars through the system demonstrating how deep the corruption really is. The suspects are facing a myriad of charges which include corruption, selling of illicit goods, forgery, money laundering and many more counts but have all been released on R2 000 bail pending further investigations.

520 illegal cars

520 vehicles are being crushed in the Eastern Cape.

Zwane says that: “The RTMC and the SAPS will this week destroy scores of illegally imported vehicles that were fraudulently registered on the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS).”

It is always a shame to see a functional car that can still provide kilometres worth of mileage being crushed but unfortunately, the law disregards this optimistic thought.

The post RTMC crush 520 illegal cars from 2017 joint operation appeared first on CAR Magazine.


The Car Guide

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Topical tips on buying used – Chapter 1

Image
Buying a used car can be harrowing, whether privately or from a dealer. Here are some tips, as well as some things to watch out for. Beware of low mileages, especially on smaller or cheaper cars. It is always possible that the odometer has been turned back. Some things to bear in mind are:- diesels are often bought because they the driver needs to undertake long trips without consuming vast amounts of fuel. This could be a sales rep, or someone travelling large distances to work, lots of lengthy trip for family holidays, etc. So, usually higher mileages than normal. An expensive or luxury car may not see much time on the road, but very seldom a “workhorse”. This makes the executive cars likely to have a lot more life left than the overworked and abused hatchback. These also spend most of their life in a home garage or undercover parking lot at work. Related: Someone paid more for a mint BMW 325iS Evo 2 than a used M4 A vehicle without any service history is a serious disadvantage
Read more

Top 10 Best-Selling Automotive Brands Locally – April 2024

Image
Following eight consecutive months of sales decline, the milestone of celebrating a century of vehicle production locally saw a welcomed increase in the motor industry for April 2024. Have a look at the data below, which sees Toyota drop in sales but retain the top spot, with Suzuki moving into second and Nissan dropping to the bottom of the list without the NP200 rolling off of the production line. Image: Toyota Looking for your next new or used Porsche? Find it here with CARmag! South Africa is marking 2024 as a significant year for its automotive industry, celebrating 100 years of car manufacturing. Mikel Mabasa, CEO of naamsa , the country’s automotive business council, commented, “As the sun rises on a century of automotive innovation, South Africa proudly commemorates a century of automobile manufacturing excellence. This milestone reflects a journey of resilience, ingenuity, and passion that has shaped the nation’s automotive legacy.” Details on how the industry will commem
Read more

Could this teased Lancia sports car be a reborn Stratos?

Image
Lancia recently teased a coupe-looking model, waiting to be unveiled in their Multiverse. Could this then, signify the return of a historic moniker like the Stratos to the struggling automaker? Image: Lancia #MakeLanciaGreatAgain – a social media phrase that has been making the rounds for the better part of a decade. World Rally Championship titles, Formula 1 single-seat winners and some other gems in between. The Italian automaker litters dates in history and motorsport, with some truly revolutionary ideas and models that aided their bid to become one of the most successful motorsport manufacturers of all time. But that is all in the past. Lancia now contends sole markets with a platform-shared model but there have been ambitious plans under Stellantis ownership to kick-start the automaker and make them great again… words that delight so many enthusiasts and aficionados. Related: Automobili Amos debut Martini Racing Livery Lancia Delta and Safarista What better way to do this th
Read more