A corrupt Traffic officer has been given the perfect Christmas present after trying to solicit a bribe from an undercover anti-corruption agent over the holiday season.
A Gauteng traffic officer will spend Christmas behind bars after he was arrested for soliciting a R200 bribe, the Road Traffic Management Corporation said on Saturday.
Spokesperson Simon Zwane said the 33-year-old man, employed by Gauteng Provincial Government, was arrested by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit on the N12.
The traffic department have taken a serious stance on clamping down on illegal road activity this festive season.
A total of 3078 motorists had been arrested on South African roads in the first 3 weeks of the festive period for drunken driving‚ speeding‚ reckless and negligent driving‚ and the possession of false documents.
The highest number of arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol was recorded in Gauteng‚ where 1639 motorists have been arrested.
But while Traffic officers are keeping most of our roads safe, anti-corruption officers are making sure the traffic officers are doing their jobs correctly, weeding out the government officials that are not.
“The Road Traffic Management Corporation has declared war on corruption in the traffic law enforcement fraternity. Corruption is one of the contributing factors behind incompetent driving and a culture of lawlessness on South African roads,” Zwane said.
The officer in question and three other officers were conducting a speed operation on the N12 highway.
“The officer allegedly stopped and solicited a R200 bribe from an undercover anti-corruption officer,” Zwane confirmed.
The suspect will spend Christmas and Boxing day behind bars and is expected to appear in the Springs Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Moral of the story… whatever side of the law you’re on… do the right thing, always.
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