Word around town since Friday afternoon is that a traffic officer was arrested for corruption.

This was confirmed by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson on Monday. Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo explained that the Hawks, a division that investigates organised crime, economic crime, corruption, and other serious crime, received information that pointed to corruption.

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Members were told that a male traffic officer who is employed by Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality at the testing station in Loskop Road was involved in a plan, which involved passing driver licence applicants.

“The allegation is that the traffic officer tested a hired driver instead of the licence applicant,” said Captain Mhlongo.

He further explained that after receiving the information, Hawks members proceeded to the testing station where they observed.

“We watched the yard and road test. Thereafter the Hawks members approached the driver and asked for his name. The licence applicant was called and identified himself. It was found out that it was not the actual applicant that went for the driver’s test,” said Captain Mhlongo.

Three people, which included the traffic officer, the licence applicant and the hired driver were arrested and appeared in the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The trio was charged for corruption.

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