SIU flags DOT’s traffic register number as a channel abused by undocumented foreign nationals

JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Transport’s traffic register number has been flagged by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) as one of the channels that are abused by undocumented foreign nationals.  

The register number is issued by the department to foreigners who want to register cars in South Africa.  

However, the SIU’s Andy Mothibi said it is being used for more than that.

“This traffic register number enables you to transact with the banks, enables you to drive. I can’t mention it all, but we have also found that it is also beset with fraud and corruption.”  

Mothibi said they have started investigating the awarding of these numbers as per a proclamation signed by the president.  

“There’s about 2.6 million traffic register numbers that have been issued irregularly and you can imagine all of those numbers are being used in the country across various sectors.”