WATCH: Death trap given license to kill
RTI officers on the scene were adamant the vehicle could not have passed any roadworthy test
FRAUDULENT roadworthy certificates are giving minibus taxi owners in Zululand a licence to kill.
Shocking proof of this emerged on Friday morning at a Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) road block on the John Ross Highway.
The taxi, an older model Toyota Hi Ace, looked reasonably trim – at least on the surface.
But on closer inspection a host of faults were found: some of them life threatening to both driver and passengers.
Seats were secured with pieces of wire, there was no emergency exit, the seat belts were virtually non-existent and the brakes were one step away from failing.
However, the vehicle was licensed to be on the roads until 31 October 2017 on the strength of what can only be a fraudulent Certificate of Roadworthiness (COR).
RTI officers on the scene were adamant the vehicle could not have passed any roadworthy test.
The official records show the vehicle was tested on 4 November this year, at ‘URVTS’ testing station by a Mr Ntshangase.
Inside info
Two anonymous industry insiders confirmed to the ZO that for the right amount, it was ‘easy’ to obtain a COR and even drivers licenses in Richards Bay.
‘For a taxi COR you pay like, R1 500 to R2 000,’ one said.
‘The guy organises it within a day and then you go get the license disk.’
The source said he knew at least two people who made a living issuing COR’s to buyers in Richards Bay.
One confirmed you would transfer money to a bank account – around R1 200 for a car, R1 500 to R2 000 for a taxi and up to R25 000 for trucks – and contact a number with your details.
‘It is unroadworthy vehicles like this taxi that end up causing major accidents with multiple fatalities on our roads,’ one RTI officer told the ZO.
The driver of the taxi that was stopped on Friday said while his passengers had complained – he had no choice but to drive the taxi.
‘I have to eat. This is a job for me at least.’
He said he was told that if he didn’t drive the taxi, someone could be found who would.
The owner of the taxi refused to comment.
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*Note: This story was edited and a line stating the testing station did not seem to exist was removed. The physical existence of the company has been verified and a follow up will be posted soon.
