The Bedfordview Community Policing Forum (BCPF) has launched an initiative which aims to curb bribery in the Bedfordview policing precinct.
According to the chairperson, Mr Gavin Henry, in rolling out the Bedfordview Roadside Anti-Corruption Initiative, the forum has made business cards available for motorists in Bedfordview.
He said, “If a motorist is asked to pay a bribe by a law enforcement officer, they can then phone either one of the two contact numbers on the card and report the incident.”
He added that although his organisation was aware that it will not be easy to catch perpetrators, the police would be able to establish trends.
“The police will have an idea of where and when the incidents took place and can then trace which officers were on duty at that specific time,” he added.
Mr Henry appealed to hotel and guest house owners to place the cards in their reception areas in order to raise awareness among guests visiting the area.
He also asked business owners and public organisations to distribute the cards to their customers.
The cards are printed on both sides, with the front side reading, “It is strictly illegal to pay cash to a traffic officer or to any other official on the road side.”
On the back, the card reminds motorists that legitimate fines should be paid at a police station or a magistrate’s court, where receipts must be issued.
“Should you have any problems in the Bedfordview area, or would like to report a bribing issue, the numbers, which are available 24 hours a day, should be contacted immediately,” reads the card.
Mr Henry thanked SAPPS Security for sponsoring the printing of the cards.
