Eleven traffic officers arrested for taking bribes on N1 highway

The Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) have arrested 11 traffic officers in Polokwane, for allegedly taking bribes from bus operators, taxi drivers and motorists travelling on the N1 highway between Polokwane and Musina.

RTMC spokesperson, Simon Zwane, said the suspects, arrested on Friday, were identified after a lengthy investigation. 

Zwane said the officers have been under investigation since March 2022, as part of an undercover operation called “coconut” which was targeting law enforcement officials involved in unethical and unlawful conduct which led to high crashes on the N1.

“An investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Unit of the RTMC has so far revealed that Traffic officials operating along the N1 freeway and those inside towns and villages abandon their duties and drive to the N1 to carry out corrupt activities.

“It is alleged that the officers stopped motorists and conducted inspections, but they would demand bribes instead of issuing a traffic fine when they found faults with the vehicles or driving licences,” Zwane said.

Zwane added that an undercover operation to prevent, detect or investigate the commission of an offence was conducted after an entrapment permission was obtained from the Director of Public Prosecution.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrates Court to face charges relating to defeating the ends of justice, extortion, and solicitation of bribes from motorists, bus driver operators, Malaishas travelling from other provinces through Limpopo Province to Zimbabwe along N1 and alternative routes.

“The arrest of more officials has not been ruled out at this stage as investigations are continuing,” Zwane said. – SAnews.gov.za