Woman arrested after trying to bribe an official to turn a blind eye on outstanding fines in Parys

PARYS - The Hawks arrested a 49-year-old woman for trying to bribe an official at the local Driving Licence Testing Centre in Parys. The provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli said members of the Serious Corruption Investigation team based in Bloemfontein reacted to information about a person who called an official at the Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport highlighting allegations. It is alleged the call was about a person offering gratification for turning a blind eye on re-licensing a truck which had outstanding fines amounting to over R177,000. A court order was granted to conduct an undercover police operation. According to Mohobeleli the suspect arrived at the Parys DLTC on Wednesday, May 23, carrying R50,000 in cash intending to get her truck re-licensed at a reduced price. However, she found the Hawks waiting and was immediately arrested. The woman was expected to appear in the Parys Magistrate’s Court yesterday, May 27, on charges of corruption and fraud.