Getting a learner licence requires a test not a bribe

A man from Limpopo, Mpho Watson Nkgumane, aged 37, has appeared in court for allegedly bribing officials to get a learner’s licence without taking the test. This arrest follows a series of complaints received by the Hawks in 2021 regarding fraudulent licence issuance at the Lephalale Testing Station. During a police operation in February 2025, it was discovered that Nkgumane had not actually sat for the learner’s licence exam, but investigations showed he had paid a bribe.

Key details of the incident

• Who: Mpho Watson Nkgumane, a 37-year-old man.
• What: Arrested for allegedly paying a bribe (‘tjotjo’) to fraudulently obtain a learner’s licence.
• Where: Lephalale Testing Station, Limpopo.
• When: Complaints about corruption at the station were received in 2021. A joint operation occurred in February 2025, and Nkgumane was arrested and made his first court appearance afterwards.
• Why: Preliminary investigations revealed Nkgumane had paid gratification (money) and had not actually taken or passed the learner’s licence written test.
• Authorities involved: The Hawks, who received the initial complaints and conducted the operation, and the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court where Nkgumane appeared.
• Outcome: Nkgumane was granted bail of R1000.

A closer look at the story

The story centres on alleged corruption at the Lephalale Testing Station in Limpopo. Back in 2021, the Hawks, a special unit of the South African Police Service known for dealing with serious organised crime, started receiving information. These reports suggested that some officials at the testing station were not following the proper procedures when issuing learner’s and driver’s licences. Instead, they were allegedly accepting bribes, often referred to as ‘tjotjo’, in exchange for these documents. Acting on these persistent complaints, the Hawks, along with other units, carried out a joint operation at the testing station in February 2025. When they entered the exam room, they found eight learners in the process of taking the learner’s licence test. Additionally, ten other learners had reportedly signed the attendance register. During their preliminary investigations, the Hawks discovered that a specific individual, Mpho Watson Nkgumane, was unaccounted for in terms of actually taking the written test on that day. Further digging indicated that Nkgumane had indeed paid a bribe to secure his learner’s licence fraudulently. Following this discovery, a warrant for Nkgumane’s arrest was issued. He was subsequently located and arrested in Lephalale. His first appearance in court was at the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court, where he faced charges related to corruption. The court granted him bail, setting it at R1000.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What does ‘tjotjo’ mean in this context?
  A: ‘Tjotjo’ is a colloquial term in South Africa, often used to refer to a bribe or a payment made to secure an illicit favour.
• Q: When did these alleged corrupt activities start?
  A: Complaints about officials issuing licences without proper procedures in return for bribes were first received by the Hawks in 2021.
• Q: What was the result of the police operation in February 2025?
  A: The operation found learners taking the test and others who had signed in, but it specifically highlighted that Mpho Watson Nkgumane had paid a bribe and not actually sat for the exam.
• Q: Has Mpho Watson Nkgumane been convicted?
  A: No, he has only made his first court appearance and has been granted bail. The case is likely ongoing.
• Q: What are the penalties for corruption related to driving licences?
  A: Corruption is a serious offence, and penalties can include fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record, which could affect future employment or other opportunities.
• Q: Where can I find more news about incidents in Limpopo?
  A: You can find more stories like this by visiting this section on the City of Thohoyandou website.
• Q: Can I see the original source of this news?
  A: Yes, you can view the original post on X (formerly Twitter) at Limpopo Chronicle’s page.