AN OFFICER (55) from the Gauteng traffic department has been arrested for allegedly taking a R40 bribe from a taxi driver.
Members of the Road Traffic Management Corporation, the traffic department and SAPS nabbed the officer at his office in Tshwane.
He and his colleagues allegedly stopped an overloaded taxi in Olievenhoutbosch last month.
The officer allegedly demanded a R50 bribe, but the driver had only R40 and the officer then took his cellphone.
The officer is expected to be charged with bribery and robbery.
The arrest brings to 11 the number of traffic officers arrested in connection with corruption in the past three months.
More arrests are expected in this case. Investigations are continuing in other provinces.
The traffic corporation said it’s committed to getting rid of corruption and restoring integrity to the sector.
Gauteng Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane praised the law enforcement agencies for the swift arrest of one of their own.
“I will never allow officers to spoil the image of the police when they should be performing their duties with loyalty and dedication.
“Overloaded vehicles put at risk the lives of the driver, passengers and other road users. Our law enforcement agencies will intensify the crackdown on vehicle overloading and corruption.”
She warned members of the public who pay bribes to officials to stop and urged officers to arrest without hesitation any officer who accepted a bribe from a civilian.
Members of the public are urged to report bribery and corruption to 0861 400 800.
