Seven of the eight suspects who were arrested in a joint operation by the Hawks and the National Road Traffic Management Cooperation (RTMC) on fraud charges relating to driver’s licences in Limpopo. The eighth suspect handed himself over to the police. Among the accused is Makhado municipal traffic official Ezekiel Sigagammba (55). Photo: Hawks.
One of Makhado Municipality’s traffic officials, Ezekiel Sigagammba (55), was arrested on Monday during an anti-corruption operation targeting fraud in Limpopo’s driver’s licence system. He was among eight suspects who appeared in the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 11 February, where they were granted bail of R3,000 each.
Sigagammba and his co-accused face charges related to fraudulent activities at the Lephalale Licensing Department, dating back seven years. The other accused are Sello Takadi (62), Chetelane Nkata (45), David Moabelo (55), Zitha Zamelikhaya (57), Thapelo Monyaka (33), Patric Moseki (59), and James Molapisi (47).
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) conducted the joint operation, which led to the arrests. A press release states that the investigation was launched in 2021 to root out corruption in the issuing of learner’s and driver’s licences.
According to Hawks spokesperson W/O Lethunya Muroa, Sigagammba and his co-accused allegedly issued driver’s licences without following proper procedures in exchange for bribes. The operation, described as a “takedown mission,” also resulted in the seizure of electronic devices believed to contain crucial evidence.
“The latest arrests bring the total number of suspects to 18 since Friday, 7 February 2025. In total, 11 people have been arrested in connection with alleged corruption and fraud at the Lephalale Licensing Department. Six more arrests were carried out over the weekend, and all suspects made their first appearance today, 10 February 2025,” said Muroa.
The case was postponed to 3 June 2025 for further police investigations.
From what could be established, Sigagammba started working at the Makhado Municipality around six years ago. Questions were sent to the Makhado Municipality asking whether he has been temporarily suspended while the case is continuing, but none of the spokespersons were available.
