CT motorist stopped for not displaying number plates, arrested for fake driving licence, stolen goods

CAPE TOWN - Cape Town traffic officers got a lot more than they bargained for when they stopped a motorist in Parow on Sunday.

While transporting a suspect to the Parow Police Station, the officers discovered a bag on the passenger’s seat containing a number of stolen items, including 30 bank cards and 17 cellphones.  

The city’s MMC for safety and security, JP Smith, said that while the man was initially stopped for not displaying number plates on his car, he was arrested for producing a fake driving licence.

He said the officers also found R17,000 in cash in the bag and the driver was charged with fraud and the possession of possible stolen goods.

"This incident is the latest in a long list of examples where seemingly benign transgressions have taken people from the driving seat to a cell. Apart from the fraud charges, the suspect also faces additional charges relating to his fake driving licence. This incident should also serve as a reminder to us all that fraudsters are very active, and how quickly one can fall victim."