Hawks arrest local cop, traffic officials for alleged corruption
A province-wide operation on Friday, involving the Hawks and National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit, resulted in the arrest of two local traffic officials and a police officer, as well as four other officials working in the Highveld.
MALALANE – Two local traffic officials and a police officer were arrested during Operation Take Down by the Hawks and National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit on Friday for allegedly soliciting bribes from motorists over the past three months.
According to the Hawks spokesman, Capt. Dineo Sekgotodi, traffic officials Khethiwe Mkhabela (42), Lucky Mabena (37) and police officer David Mahlare Ntuli (34) were arrested in Malalane on Friday morning.
This followed investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit and Road Traffic Management Corporation into allegations that the suspects requested bribes from motorists on the N4 between Komatipoort and Middelburg since April. Unsuspecting tourists would be targeted and arrested if they refused to pay a bribe, Sekgotodi explained.
READ: Know your rights as a road user when stopped by traffic officials
The trio appeared in the Komatipoort Magistrate’s Court later that day on corruption charges. They were granted bail of R1 000 each and are scheduled to appear in the same court on July 12, pending further investigation.
The Hawks’ convoy moved on to Belfast and Middelburg, where they arrested two traffic officials and a police constable. A 35-year-old policeman from Belfast SAPS was arrested yesterday.
The four suspects will be appearing in the Middelburg and Belfast Magistrate’s Courts today.
READ: Two cops out on bail after dagga arrest
The acting provincial head of the Hawks, Obed Ngwenya, welcomed the arrests and warned other law enforcers not to take part in criminal activities.
“Corruption undermines the rule of law. We are determined to fight corruption wherever and whenever it manifests. We hope the arrest of six members would send a strong message to colleagues that corruption would not be tolerated,” he stated.
