A traffic officer was arrested at the Lengau testing center on Thursday 12 September 2019 at about 15:22 on charges of corruption, fraud, bribery and extortion.
The male traffic officer (39) is an employee of the Department of Police, Roads and Transport. Upon the arrival of the Law Enforcement vehicle, officers from the Tactical Response Team (TRT) approached the vehicle and proceeded with the arrest. According to a statement by the Department of Police, Roads and Transport, the officer was instructed to hand over his firearm. He was then placed in handcuffs.
It is alleged that the traffic officer was patrolling on the R64 road when he pulled over a vehicle that was overtaking on a barrier line. He allegedly requested that the driver of the vehicle give him R500 in order for him not to fine the driver. The traffic officer was later sent an FNB e-wallet transfer. After the e-wallet was sent by the driver, he went straight to Bainsvlei Police Station to open a case.
“We are determined to fight corruption whenever and wherever it rears its ugly head. We hope the arrest of this officer will send a strong message to colleagues that corruption will not be tolerated on my watch,” said MEC Sam Mashinini.
The officer appeared at the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court today, where he was granted bail of R3500. He is to appear again in court in October 2019.
Members of the public are hereby, urged to report any acts of fraud and corruption to the DPRT&T and the South African Police Service (SAPS)
info@bloemfonteincourant.co.za
