An administrative clerk at the traffic department appeared in the Bloemfontein magistrate’s court after being arrested on Friday for money-laundering, fraud, and corruption.
Mosethle Samuel Masopa had received a court summons on June 13.
Masopa, 49, was one of 14 people who had previously been taken into custody at the Lengau testing centre in the Free State for issuing driver’s and learner’s licences without authorisation.
He was released on warning, and his case was remanded until August 14, when it will be transferred to the regional court in Bloemfontein.
Intelligence report
His detention follows the acquisition of an intelligence report on traffic cops, driving instructors, runners, and private examiners from the traffic department and private examiners in Bloemfontein, Brandfort, Botshabelo, Ladybrand, Phalaborwa, and Nelspruit in 2022.
According to the report, the accused were involved in issuing learner’s and driver’s licences without following the proper procedures.
Following that, Operation Catfish was formed, several transactions were carried out over time, and the evidence gathered from those transactions was shown in court.
“The 20 arrest warrants were approved by the director of public prosecutions on January 26, 2024,” according to Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti.
“Nine men and five women, aged 30 to 57, were taken into custody at various locations by Hawks, the tactical response team, and Road Traffic Management Corporation members.”
Soliciting a bribe
Meanwhile, in October 2023, three female traffic cops were taken into custody for allegedly asking a truck driver for a bribe; the driver then informed the owner.
The officers were conducting a law-enforcement operation when they stopped a truck driver between Hennenman and Kroonstad in the Free State.
Upon inspecting the truck, the officers discovered that some of the tyres were smooth.
The traffic officers then asked the driver for a bribe of R2 000 so they would not fine him for speeding.
