TRAFFIC Officer Thandeka Shelembe, who is part of the Port Shepstone Road Traffic Inspectorate, was caught red handed last Wednesday (August 21) receiving a R200 bribe from a motorist in exchange for cancelling a warrant for outstanding fines.
The alleged incident cccured at a road block in Park Rynie. Shelelembe was apprehended and taken to the Scottburgh police station where a case was opened. She has since appeared at the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court where she will re-appear on September 3.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu has expressed outrage at the alleged misconduct by the officer, but at the same time applauded the work of the law enforcement officers who acted swiftly and firmly.
“While I am disturbed by the alleged misconduct of the officer concerned, I remain convinced that the greater majority of our law enforcement officers remain dedicated to the task. The arrest of the officer signifies our continued commitment to root out corruption wherever it exists, including within our ranks,” emphasised Mr Mchunu.
“We have a tough battle overcoming lawlessness on our roads, which causes avoidable accidents and fatalities. As such, we cannot be derailed by some of our own who are acting in cahoots with law breakers to undermine the law,” he said.
