Congratulations to the Police/DRTS

Mmegi Editor | Wednesday March 29, 2017 11:57

This comes after combined efforts of DRTS and Botswana Police Service led to the arrest of suspected fraudulent officers in issuance of various classes of drivers’ licences.

The corrupt practices the officers are implicated in range from fraudulent issuance of drivers’ licences; fraudulent issuance of road worthy certificates; fraudulent issuance of theory tests; receiving bribes; fraudulent issuance of permits; soliciting money from customers and mismanagement of licensing forms among others.

We would like to commend the BPS and DRTS for the ongoing operation. It has always been known that these acts exist, hence measures such as the introduction of computerised theory tests in some centres. This proved insufficient as some officers always found other means to obtain bribes and give marks to people not tested.

As frustrating as it is going through the process of obtaining a driver’s licence, fraudulent means cannot be excused.

Driving a car as easy as it may seem, especially with an automatic car, needs only qualified drivers on the roads. We have been experiencing a lot of bad accidents on our roads. Definitely not only unduly licensed drivers were involved in these accidents, but many lives could have not been lost.

Without pre-empting the outcome of investigations, we hope that those who are found guilty are punished harshly especially those ferrying the public.

The offence is gruesome in that many lives are put on the line; many have been lost and those with intentions of doing the same should be afraid of the punishment.

We would also like to call on the DRTS to work on improving service delivery in their departments.  They do not need to make it easier for drivers to get licences; rather there is need for an efficient system that will give your customers a reason to follow the procedures.

We would also like to urge Batswana to help the police and report these practices when they see them. Truth is, they may buy the licence and kill your loved one in an accident. Will you forgive yourself knowing you witnessed someone corruptly get a licence?

We would also like to call on the Botswana Qualifications Authority and Driving School Association to speed up the process of regulating driving schools to ensure that all those on the road are qualified.

Today's Thought

'Accept the challenge so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory'

- George S. Patton