“Corruption” at Indlela Training Academy exposed; instructor still not suspended or arrested

AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit is currently assisting two complainants with complaints of corruption against an instructor from the Indlela Training Academy. This follows after the instructor in question allegedly demanded bribes of R7 000 and R4 000 respectively from the complainants in order for them to pass their exams for diesel mechanics. Both refused to pay the money and laid criminal charges against the instructor, as well as reporting this behavior to his heads. However, despite the criminal charges against him, the instructor has still not been suspended.

The complainants laid criminal charges against the instructor at the Olifantsfontein police station on 13 May 2022 — the date of the incident. They approached AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit for assistance and members of the unit accompanied one of the complainants to the police station so that he could make a more complete statement.

Both complainants did well during their practical training and they were therefore shocked when the instructor in question told them that they had not progressed very well in the examination and then demanded the payment. The instructor also allegedly gave particularly detailed instructions to the complainants on what steps to follow to provide the bribe.

According to Natasha Venter, adviser at AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, it is worrying that apprentices may pass who are not necessarily up to standard, simply because they pay bribes. According to Venter, this indicates the erosive effect that corruption has on society as a whole.

“This type of blatant corruption is only indicative of how shameless the perpetrators of corruption have become these days. The complainants who refused to take part in the suspect’s cunning plan are the real heroes and they should be commended for their fearless handling of the case. There must be real consequences for people who are guilty of corruption and therefore we will work with the SAPS to ensure that the suspect is punished,” says Venter.

According to Venter the unit obtained positive co-operation from the police. “However, we remain concerned that to date there has been no progress with the possible arrest and court appearance of the suspect. These types of cases deserve prompt attention and the delay in a case with strong evidence is regrettable. We therefore call on all involved parties to give the necessary attention in cases where ordinary people decide not to be corrupt,” concludes Venter.