An employee of the Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, has been found guilty of committing R5 million in fraudulent motor vehicle licence disc renewal transactions on the Natis system. This case highlights ongoing concerns about municipal employee accountability and the security of motor licensing processes in the province.
Consequently, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) confirmed that the employee underwent an internal disciplinary hearing, which substantiated the fraudulent activities.
The transactions were conducted off-site, outside the licensing centre, and no corresponding payments were recorded in the municipality’s bank account, prompting an investigation.
Moreover, the RTMC explained, “The accused, Mr. KZH Mchunu, faced allegations relating to gross dishonesty and putting the municipality name into disrepute, it is alleged that in January 2024 his Natis login credentials were utilised to conduct multiple fraudulent and irregular transactions. The presiding officer of the disciplinary hearing when delivering his findings, remarked that witnesses were credible and thoroughly investigated the allegations, the accused had refuted the allegation put before him, claiming that the system was hacked.”
Furthermore, investigations revealed that a compromised system would have shown transactions from multiple users, not exclusively from the accused’s credentials.
The RTMC noted, “Mr. Mchunu could not convince the presiding officer on his pleading how his confidential password was leaked after expert testimony from the Road Traffic Management Corporation confirmed that the system was never hacked. He was then found guilty on all charges against him.” This outcome upholds the integrity of the Natis system and confirms the employee’s misconduct.
Although the sentencing of the accused municipal employee remains undisclosed, this case emphasises the significance of motor licence disc renewal fraud in KwaZulu-Natal, highlighting the need for ongoing oversight and robust systems to prevent similar incidents.
In addition, fraudulent motor vehicle licence disc transactions are a major concern in KZN, contributing to an estimated R2.1 billion in lost revenue across multiple provinces. Recognising this, the RTMC’s National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU) has actively targeted such schemes, including the dismantling of a syndicate in Mtubatuba, KZN, which was involved in producing and distributing fake licence discs.
Furthermore, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has taken action to combat motor licence disc fraud.
To secure the province’s R2.3 billion in annual motor licensing revenue and reduce fraudulent transactions, the department implemented a cashless payment system across all KZN motor licensing offices. According to MEC Siboniso Duma, this initiative aims to improve traceability and prevent unauthorised access to the Natis system, directly addressing vulnerabilities exposed in cases such as the Inkosi Langalibalele incident.
Looking ahead, the introduction of stricter monitoring protocols and digital safeguards is expected to reduce opportunities for fraudulent activity, but time will tell.
However, this case underscores the importance of policed internal controls, regular audits, and secured digital systems to protect public revenue.
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One Response
Wait! What???
“..the province’s R2.3 billion in annual motor licensing revenue.”
This much revenue JUST from motor licensing? So why, then, do our roads look like they were engineered by an infant using a garden fork and plastic spatula?