Man in court for selling roadworthy certificates to motorists

Thomas Lottering, 43, has been charged with selling roadworthy certificates for R900 to motorists.

He appeared in the East London Magistrate’s Court on Monday after being caught in an undercover sting operation in the metro's Buffalo Flats.

Hawks Eastern Cape spokeswoman Captain Anelisa Feni said this morning: “He was arrested in the act.”

In a twist, she said the certificates were genuine.

“He acted as a runner.”

She could not disclose the number of certificates he flogged, but said Hawks investigators were moving in.

A whistle-blower approached the Hawks in April.

Only when the investigation is finished can the Hawks say how many untested vehicles are on the road with their drivers holding illegally obtained certificates.