Hawks nab traffic officer for alleged bribery
According to Shongwe, those who are involved in such activities should be severely punished as they discourage communities from working with law enforcement.
Corruption in law enforcement not only dents the image of the law-enforcement fraternity, but also endangers the lives of road users.
Not only is corruption a challenge but perceptions that it somehow exists especially in traffic law enforcement affect government’s efforts to enhance and sustain road safety.
Also read: Traffic cops who allegedly took bribes may be charged again.
These are the sentiments of Mpumalanga community safety, security and liaison, MEC Vusi Shongwe who was responding to the arrest of a traffic officer in the department. Michael Mohlala was apprehended on Sunday at Middelburg Weighbridge on the allegations that he had attempted to solicit a bribe of R800 from motorists.
The officer was subsequently arrested by the Hawks following a tip-off from a whistle-blower. He appeared in the Witbank Magistrate’s Court on Monday August 15 for corruption and defeating the ends of justice.
Read more: Worthy fate awaits province’s unroadworthy vehicles.
The case was postponed to September 16 for further investigation and Mohlala has been released on R3 000 bail. Meanwhile the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison is looking into suspending the official in order for the internal processes to unfold.
“While not pre-empting on the outcome of the processes at hand, it is disturbing that while the majority of traffic officers and other law enforcers are hard at work, others would compromise all their hard work by requesting bribes.
“Such tendencies need to stop because it discourages communities from work with traffic officers and police for enhancement of road safety.
“We also appeal with the community and road users not to bribe officers but report them to the authorities so that they are brought to book and face the consequences of their actions,” added Shongwe.
Also read: Traffic officer arrested for fraud
He further encouraged traffic officers not to be discouraged by those individuals whose integrity levels are low, but to work hard for the benefit of road safety in the province. He said they should expose those who are corrupt among themselves. Shongwe applauded the police for swiftly bringing the suspect to book.
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