Traffic officers caught under fire
During the past long weekend several visitors to the Lowveld complained about alleged corruption among provincial traffic officers. Reports included incidents near White River, Hazyview, Bushbuckridge and Graskop.
WHITE RIVER- The name of a specific traffic officer was mentioned by one complainant and a photo of an incident was posted on Facebook.
The complainant (a foreign visitor) alleged that they were stopped by said officer near White River without giving a valid reason.
The officer insinuated that the motorist “knows what he did wrong.” He could not provide a speed reading, but suggested that “the fine is R2 000 but the contravention could be forgiven”.
ALSO READ: Load Shedding Schedule updated
The motorist said that he took that as an indication that a bribe could fix the situation. He also alleged that, while they were arguing with the officer, another car was stopped by a colleague and they witnessed how that motorist handed over “something folded in paper” to the cops.
After photographing that incident, the second officer tried to confiscate the visitor’s car keys and phone and further scared them by indicating that they could be locked up for hours for not adhering to those orders.
On enquiry Moeti Mmusi of the communication section of the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison said the department remains committed to curbing corruption by officials and welcomed the reporting of the incident. Mmusi confirmed that the incident implicating the officer would be investigated.
ALSO READ: 10 Most dangerous animals in Africa
He also suggested that motorists who encounter suspicious behaviour by officials should report it the department on either 080-070-1701 or 013-766-4062 or to the nearest SAPS office.
In the meantime the visitor who posted about the incident on Facebook confirmed to White River Post that he renewed his vehicle’s licence since the incident and no evidence of the supposed fine of R2 000 could be found on the system.
