As the festive season commences, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has encouraged members of the public to report corrupt traffic officers.
This after nine traffic cops were arrested recently in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal in a pre-festive season peak travel crackdown on fraud and corruption.
According to the RTMC, two officers from the Tshwane Metro Police Department were nabbed for soliciting a bribe of R1 500 from a taxi driver.
During the encounter, the driver immediately alerted the RTMC’s national traffic anti-corruption unit and a sting operation was conducted, resulting in the arrest of the officers.
The unit was established in November 2012 in response to challenges of ethical conduct facing the road traffic fraternity.
The sting operation sought to root out corrupt officials and restoring public trust in traffic law enforcement.
In a separate case, seven officers were arrested in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal.
The seven include five traffic officers employed by the provincial road traffic inspectorate and two officers from the Newcastle municipality.
Undercover operation
They were arrested in a joint undercover operation conducted by the unit and the Hawks following complaints from the public regarding the conduct of traffic officers.
The officers face charges of fraud and corruption.
The RTMC said these incidents highlight the ongoing battle against corruption in South Africa, particularly within law-enforcement agencies.
“It is important for citizens to report all corruption they witness or experience to ensure corrupt officials are brought to book,” said the RTMC.
The RTMC highlighted that it has taken a firm stance against fraud and corruption and will continue to probe and prosecute those who engage in such activities.
“The public can report suspected acts of fraud, corruption and malfeasance to ntacu@rtmc.co.za or by WhatsApp to 083 293 7989.”
In October, Sunday World reported that three Free State female traffic cops aged between 43 and 45 were arrested for soliciting a bribe.
