Two traffic officers and a civilian have been convicted of corruption after a years-long investigation into the fraudulent issuing of learner's driver's licences at the Ashton Traffic Department in the Western Cape.
Karel Davids (53) and Andile James Dondolo (57), both serving as traffic officers, along with Jason Naidoo (59), a civilian, were found guilty by the Cape Town Regional Court on 07 July 2025. The conviction brings to a close a case that has wound through the justice system for nearly a decade.
Investigation traced back to 2016
The matter first came to light during 2016 when intelligence was received pointing to two traffic officers stationed at the Ashton Traffic Department who were allegedly involved in producing false learner's driver's licences. The Hawks launched a probe into the allegations and successfully identified the two officers implicated in the scheme, as well as the individual who had corrupted them.
"The matter was investigated by the Hawks and the two officers were identified as well as the person who corrupted them, which resulted in their arrest in August 2016."
All three accused were taken into custody in August 2016 following the conclusion of the initial investigation. When their trial got under way in September 2019, the trio had been released on bail and remained free as court proceedings dragged on for several years.
Bail revoked ahead of sentencing
After an extended legal process, judgment was ultimately delivered on 07 July 2025, with all three accused being convicted on charges of corruption. The court also took the step of revoking their bail, ordering that they be held in custody pending sentencing.
"Their bail was also withdrawn and were remanded in custody until their sentencing which will be handed down on 29 August 2025."
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement authorities to root out corruption within traffic departments across the country. The fraudulent issuing of driving documents poses a significant road safety risk, with unqualified motorists potentially being granted licences without undergoing proper testing procedures.
Davids, Dondolo and Naidoo are expected to learn their fate when they return to the Cape Town Regional Court for sentencing on 29 August 2025. They remain behind bars until that date.
Fraudulent licensing schemes at local traffic departments directly undermine road safety for millions of South Africans who share the country's already dangerous roads. Unqualified drivers obtaining licences without proper testing increase the risk of accidents, placing commuters, pedestrians, and transport-dependent businesses in harm's way. The conviction also erodes public trust in government licensing systems. The upcoming sentencing in August 2025 may signal whether courts will impose deterrent penalties strong enough to discourage similar corruption elsewhere.
