Metro cops investigate Telkom boss in fake number plate scam

25 July 2014 - 12:25 By Sapa
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Telkom CEO Sipho Maseko is under investigation after being implicated in an alleged car licence cloning case, the City of Johannesburg said on Friday.

"Whatever is happening in terms of allegations about him being on the wrong side of the law is being investigated by the Johannesburg metro police department (JMPD)," city spokesman Nthatisi Modingoane said.

He could not say what sort of case metro police were investigating and referred all questions to the JMPD.

Spokesman Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar confirmed there was a case but said it was not public information.

"A high-level investigation is underway by the number plate investigative unit for the displaying of a false number plate. When the investigation is done, it will be handed over to SA Police Service as well as the director of public prosecutions," he said.

"Any traffic offence or criminal charge against individuals is a matter between that individual and the State. Until such time that the case enters court, then it becomes public information."

The Star reported on Friday that Maseko was driving around using his previous vehicle's number plates, which were legally being used by businessman Mabena Motshoane, who had bought Maseko's old Range Rover.

It reported that Maseko incurred traffic fines totalling R30,000, but that these were sent to Motshoane.

By chance Motshoane saw Maseko's car on a Pretoria freeway and noticed he was using his number plates. He opened a case with the metro police, and a case of fraud with Booysens police.

Metro police officers went to Maseko's home, but were reportedly denied permission to look at his car.

According to the newspaper, the officers were instructed to leave Maseko's Houghton, Johannesburg, home after allegedly being told that city manager Trevor Fowler had intervened in the matter. Modingoane denied that Fowler was involved.

A few days later, metro police were allowed to see the car, by which time Maseko's number plates had allegedly been changed.

The Star said it had seen the fines, photographs and video footage of Maseko driving his car with Motshoane's number plates.

Maseko told the newspaper he had contacted Fowler.

"I was scared and nervous and the only person I could think of was Trevor Fowler. All Mr Fowler did was refer me to someone in the JMPD who could assist me," he was quoted as saying.

Telkom spokesman Pynee Chetty declined to comment on Friday.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now