Government destroys illegally imported cars to send a warning

The South African government has said it is cracking down on illegal imports of cars into the country. They have been crushing cars found to be without the proper papers.

Second-hand cars brought into the country illegally are confiscated and being crushed by The Inter-Agency Working Group on the Illicit Trade. 

In November, the group crushed 57 cars but have stepped up their work. In the second week of December, they’ve already crushed 50 cars.

• Clients had produced fraudulent traveller declaration forms (TRD1s) in order to use the vehicles illegally in South Africa;
• Some of the vehicles were driven in South Africa with a cloned vehicle registration and licence disc. However, upon verification with the neighbouring countries it was established that the registration belongs to various other vehicles;
• The vehicles were sold to South African citizens without due clearance and permits being obtained;
• Refugees residing in South Africa have been purchasing the vehicles from the Bond Stores and registering them in the SACU countries in order to use them in South Africa for an indefinite period.

The cars come in from Europe, Asia and Africa. The government believe that they pose both a security risk as they are not required to meet South African roadworthy standards and that they pose a threat to the motor vehicle industry in the country.

The government hopes that this extreme measure will discourage more illegal imports across the border. They also warn buyers to be cautious and make sure that the second-hand cars they are paying for are legal.

Picture: SARS