The acting district commissioner of Johannesburg, Brigadier Egen Moodley, has welcomed the arrest of a 29-year-old Gauteng traffic warden for corruption and extortion, following an incident that occurred in Midrand.

It is alleged that on April 10, at approximately 17:00, the traffic warden stopped a motor vehicle with seven male occupants.

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The individuals reportedly claimed that they were on their way to work but were found to be in the country illegally.

They were subsequently detained for contravening the Immigration Act.

However, they were not formally charged. The traffic warden allegedly instructed the individuals to contact their employer. During this process, negotiations took place regarding a payment in exchange for their release.

The employer arranged for the required money to be withdrawn and alerted the SAPS provincial anti-corruption unit.

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An operation was then conducted, during which arrangements were made to meet the traffic warden and hand over the money.

Immediately after the handover, members of the anti-corruption unit intervened. The traffic warden was searched, and the full amount of money was recovered in his possession. He was subsequently arrested and detained on charges of corruption and extortion.

Moodley has strongly condemned acts of corruption, emphasising that such conduct undermines public trust and the integrity of law enforcement.

Members of the public are encouraged to report corruption and criminal activities in and around their communities through the following platforms: The Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 701 701, the SAPS #CrimeStop line on 08600 10111, or via the #MySAPSApp.

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