TMPD officer issued 48-Hour notice prior to suspension following bribery allegations
In the video circulating on social media, the officer is heard instructing the woman to withdraw the money quickly at the ATM.
The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has served a notice of intent to suspend an officer embroiled in allegations of soliciting a bribe.
The officer now has 48 hours to furnish the department with reasons why he must not be suspended following a video circulating on social media where it depicts him allegedly forcing a woman to withdraw money from the ATM.
The cash is suspected to be a bribe by many social media users, prompting the TMPD and Mayor Dr Nasipha Moya to act on the matter.
Is Tshwane Metro cop transporting a motorist to withdraw a bribe?
🙆🏾♂️🙆🏾♂️🙆🏾♂️🙆🏾♂️Or what’s happening here pic.twitter.com/VgdhBow0Iv
— Keletso💫💕💫 (@KeletsoMss) November 4, 2024
In the video, the following can be heard:
“When you get to the ATM, I want you to take out the money. Don’t even take five minutes at the ATM,” the officer can be heard saying.
TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba confirmed that the officer belongs to the department.
The officer was given a chance to narrate his recollection of the events in the video by an internal investigator.
“The department affirms that it is, in fact, a member of the TMPD implicated in the controversy in which a bribery solicitation is depicted in what appears to be a metro police vehicle.”
Mahamba said in response to the alleged bribery incident, that the TMPD has instituted an internal investigation.
“The member will be served with a notice of intention to suspend and he must furnish the department with reasons why he must not be suspended within 48 hours.”
He added that a statement from the complainant and the member is required as part of the investigation process.
“These accusations of corruption are incompatible with the department’s beliefs and principles and will be handled decisively,” he said.
Mahamba urged victims to come forward and report these corrupt activities to the TMPD, Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) or the SAPS to eliminate the bad apples from the department.
“The public is advised not to pay any financial compensation to TMPD officers.”
Mahamba said the TMPD is undeterred and will continue with its responsibility to serve and protect the community.
“The Chief of Police, Commissioner Yolanda Faro, has taken a zero tolerance stance against these corrupt practices and will ensure that any illegal activity by members is not tolerated as it tarnishes the name of the department.”
Update: The officer alleged to have solicited a bribe has been served with a Notice of Intention to Suspend. https://t.co/M8p4O4NQIh pic.twitter.com/Kd5sjQ3mAM
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) November 5, 2024
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