A truck driver has been arrested on the N10 highway outside Cookhouse in the Eastern Cape after attempting to bribe a traffic officer on Thursday afternoon.
The Northern Cape-registered truck, found to be a moving hazard due to multiple defects, was stopped during a routine inspection, said authorities.
The vehicle had serious safety issues, including a loose steering rack, faulty wiring in the cabin, and severely worn tyres.
When faced with these violations, the driver allegedly offered a young female traffic officer R1 500 to overlook the infractions.
The officer rejected the bribe and promptly arrested the driver.
Eastern Cape transport MEC Xolile Nqatha said the actions of the traffic cop reflect true bravery and patriotism.
“She did this by prioritising public safety over personal gain; she has set a powerful example for all law enforcement officers.”
The N10 highway has become notorious for crashes involving defective trucks, which have claimed lives and caused prolonged road closures.
Officer’s vigilance commended
“These incidents are a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unroadworthy vehicles. We commend the officer’s vigilance, and we will continue to crack down on such violations to keep our roads safe,” Nqatha said.
The driver faces charges of bribery and operating an unroadworthy vehicle.
Authorities are urging transport companies to ensure that their fleets meet safety standards to prevent further tragedies on the N10 highway.
Sunday World reported in March that three former traffic officials from the Kouga local municipality were arrested and faced charges of fraud, corruption, and violations of the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996.
According to the cops, the three males aged between 49 and 55 were employed by the municipality and served as examiners for the Humansdorp traffic department in the Eastern Cape.
It was further alleged that the three suspects were issuing driving licences to motorists without conducting physical examinations (tests), as prescribed in the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996.
READ MORE: Former Eastern Cape traffic officers charged with licence fraud
