As the festive season approaches, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has warned law enforcement officers that anti-corruption units will be out in full force to deal with unacceptable, unethical and unprofessional conduct.
This warning follows the sentencing of an Mpumalanga traffic officer by the Ermelo Regional Court for taking a R200 bribe from undercover anti-corruption agents.
The officer was arrested after he solicited a R200 bribe from an agent during Project Arrive Alive on 22 January 2020 and was subsequently arrested on 3 March 2021.
He pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to a R4 000 fine or 12 months’ imprisonment. He was further sentenced to five years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years should he not be convicted of the same crime during this period.
“Bribery, corruption, and other unlawful activities do not only tarnish the image of our traffic law enforcement fraternity; it leads to devastating consequences, including loss of life.
“The RTMC calls for harsher sentences against officers who solicit bribes from motorists,” the agency said.
The officer was also earlier subjected to a disciplinary hearing, which found him guilty and terminated his employment. He took the matter to arbitration but failed to have the decision of the disciplinary committee overturned.
The RTMC has urged citizens to report suspected acts of fraud, corruption, and malfeasance to ntacu@rtmc.co.za or via WhatsApp to 083 293 7989. – SAnews.gov.za
