Tshwane metro, former national traffic police officers linked to blue light gang
The two were nabbed by police on Wednesday, on the N1 close to Jean Avenue in Centurion and are linked to the blue lights gang plaguing motorists on freeways around Gauteng.
A Tshwane metro police officer and a former national traffic police officer will appear in court on Thursday to answer to charges of corruption and a series of hijackings on the roads of Gauteng.
The two were nabbed by police on Wednesday, on the N1 close to Jean Avenue in Centurion and are linked to the blue lights gang plaguing motorists on freeways around Gauteng.
The pair are being detained at SAPS Sunnyside holding cells and will appear at the Pretoria magistrate’s court for bail proceedings.
Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) spokesperson Simon Zwane said it was alleged that the pair, while in full police uniform complete with reflector jackets, drove around in a white Polo VW sedan with blue lights and stopped unsuspecting motorists.
It is further alleged they were in unlawful possession of AARTO documents belonging to the state.
“An amount of R890 was found with the two suspects.”
Zwane said the suspects could be linked to other cases of car- and truck hijackings on Gauteng freeways involving the blue lights gang.
“Their vehicle is detained and booked at the asset forfeiture unit as it was used in the commission of a crime.”
Zwane said the RTMC welcomed the arrest of two traffic officers accused of corruption.
Last Month, Tshwane MMC for community safety, Grandi Theunissen told Rekord his department was gravely concerned over the increase in alleged criminal conduct in the metro police.
“Residents are losing trust in the metro police. The actions of a few have tainted the image of the entire force.”
Theunissen said in order to regain trust, his department would police the metro police to halt bribery and corruption in the department.
He said the department was looking to invest in technological equipment such as body-cameras to record the activities of officers while on duty.
“Body cameras are being tested and considered for implementation. An extensive CCTV assessment is also underway to mitigate the occurrence of crime and improve law enforcement responsiveness,” Theunissen said.
“There are many more true-blue officers who are diligent and steadfast in their commitment to serve the community. The metro police are committed to urgently addressing internal matters and making concerted efforts to earn the trust of citizens once again.”
The MMC said there were many allegations of criminality against the metro police currently subject to multilateral official investigations.
“The metro police are currently addressing alleged criminal and unethical conduct within and all cases will be followed up to the full extent of the law.
“We cannot disclose the nature of these investigations at this time.”
Theunissen vowed that officers involved in criminality will be identified, criminal charges be laid where possible and full internal investigations carried out.
The public can report police misconduct to the metro police investigation team on 083 657 2998 or via tmpdcomplaints@tshwane.gov.za.
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