Two traffic officers are suspended

MBOMBELA – The MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe said those who are suspected of any mischief in traffic law enforcement should be dealt with immediately once identified.

Shongwe was speaking after the suspension of two traffic officers on December 29. Mr Thulani Mdaka and Abraham Mavuso were based in KaBokweni and were suspended following their arrest by the Hawks last week on allegations of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice. The two officers will reappear in court again on February 26.

“The impact of corrupt law enforcers on road safety is enormous taking into consideration the number of crashes that occur on the road,” Shongwe added. He said bringing corrupt law-enforcement officials to book would also help the government to reduce the number of road accidents.

It is believed that the officers had been taking money from motorists during one of the operations the department conducted last week. They appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on December 24, and were granted bail of R1 500 each.

The MEC has welcomed the pair’s arrest saying the allegations against them should be thoroughly investigated.

“We should not allow corruption because if we do, we will be nullifying the efforts that other hard-working traffic officers are doing to ensure that there is effective law enforcement on the road. We cannot allow a few individuals with low levels of integrity to tarnish the image of our dedicated officers,” Shongwe said.

Meanwhile, a motorist was arrested for attempting to bribe traffic officers. He was apprehended during an operation that took place on the N4 Toll Road near Mbombela during a roadblock.

The suspect was taken into custody after he attempted to hand the officers who were issuing him a fine for driving an unroadworthy bakkie a bribe of R1 000. He was also fined for towing another vehicle while his bakkie was not registered as a tow truck.