Traffic officers arrested for bribery, corruption

The officers, aged 32 and 33, were arrested yesterday at about 1pm by the Organised Crime and Crime Intelligence members, police said.

It is believed the two officers demanded money from a truck driver, who they alleged had contravened traffic regulations.

Both suspects are expected to appear in the Mthatha Magistrates’ Court soon to face charges relating to bribery and corruption.

Eastern Cape police provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Celiwe Binta said corruption would be fought from all levels

“We want to send a strong message to all would-be offenders that we will leave no stone unturned in fighting corruption in the province,” said Binta.

“I also appeal to the communities to report any form of corruption that they come across, including at the provincial roads.”

This after a video showing a Johannesburg Metro police officer allegedly soliciting a bribe from a motorist went viral in January. 

The video, captured on a cellphone and later posted on YouTube, shows an exchange between the officer and a motorist who was stopped for allegedly driving drunk.

The officer then tells the unidentified motorist that a breathalyser test can be avoided if he pays R200.

“We can talk now, give only R200 [and] you can go, because if [my captain and superintendent] can say you are drunk, there is no more talking,” the officer says.

The officer then declines to give his badge number when the motorist asks for it.

Click here to watch the video.

– Caxton News Service