More arrests of traffic cops involved in corruption expected
Transport MEC, Violet Mathye cautioned corrupt officials to stay vigilant, as more arrests are imminent, as per the Hawks.
POLOKWANE – Law enforcement authorities are expected to make more arrests of traffic officers involved in corrupt activities, following the recent apprehension of 11 officers. The arrests were part of a long-running investigation, as disclosed by Transport MEC, Violet Mathye.
During the release of the provincial crime statistics for April-June at the Limpopo police headquarters, Mathye shared that the breakthrough in the investigation was aided by camera devices installed on long-distance vehicles. The investigation has been ongoing for several years.
Some of the officers were arrested along the N1 between Polokwane and Musina.
Read more: Eleven traffic cops arrested in Polokwane on corruption charges
One officer in Polokwane was caught last month after undercover police officers deliberately broke a traffic law to provoke a reaction. The officer was arrested after accepting a bribe.
Read more: Lim traffic cop duo arrested for soliciting bribe from the Hawks
Mathye cautioned corrupt officials to stay vigilant, as more arrests are imminent, informed by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks). Recently, the Hawks in Polokwane arrested two officers who received R100 from drivers who had violated road rules. One of these officers was denied bail, while others, granted bail, have returned to work pending the outcome of court proceedings.
Mathye indicated that those found guilty may face dismissal.
At the same event, the provincial secretary of the SA Policing Union, Lesiba Thobejane, cautiously welcomed the arrests. While condemning corruption, the union urged provincial authorities to ensure that justice is served for both the officers and those offering bribes.
“Corruption involves more than one party,” Thobejane stated. “Both the corruptor and the corrupted must face justice. Arresting only one party does not fully address the issue.”
Mathye pledged that her department would work closely with law enforcement to combat corruption at all levels.
