A Tshwane Metro police officer has been arrested for allegedly asking a motorist to pay a bribe of R2 000 to get away with a road traffic infringement.
However, the motorist was quick to report the incident to the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) Anti-Corruption Unit, which then swooped on the officer.
According to the RTMC, the traffic officer stopped a driver who was travelling on the R104, to inspect the roadworthiness of her vehicle.
“The officer and her companion allegedly stopped a driver of a vehicle with an unroadworthy trailer on the R104 near Mamelodi on Friday and demanded a bribe. The motorist reported the incident to members of the Road Traffic Management Corporation's Anti-Corruption Unit, who arranged an entrapment together with members of the Hawks,” the RTMC said in a statement.
“The female officer was arrested on the spot and the amount of R2 000 was found in her possession. She was kept in custody over the weekend, while her companion was released on warning,” the RTMC said.
The woman subsequently appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where she was released on R2 000 bail.
The RTMC said it was working to remove criminality within the ranks of traffic officials.
“The RTMC is determined to fight corruption in the traffic fraternity and members of the public are urged to report all suspicions of malfeasances, bribery, fraud and corruption. All information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality,” the RTMC said.
Members of the public can report incidents via WhatsApp message to 083 293 799 or by sending an email to ntacu@rtmc.co.za – SAnews.gov.za
