The DA in Ekurhuleni urges all motorists to be aware of their rights when it comes to police roadblocks, as it is imperative that the community work together to eradicate the scourge of this corruption.
It is vital that both the SAPS and the EMPD institute proper training and disciplinary programmes, to prevent officers from asking for bribes.
However, a two-pronged approach between government and communities is necessary.
DA councillor on the community safety oversight committee, Mary Goby, said that motorists should always be aware of their surroundings so that, in the event that they are pulled over in a roadblock and asked for a bribe, of cash or food, a report can be filed at the nearest police station.
Motorists should know where the nearest police station is, as well as having the telephone numbers of the sector vehicles in the area where they live, so that, if the roadblock is close to home, an immediate report can be made.
Goby acknowledged that it is not always possible to get a name and a badge number, but other details, such as the intersection where the roadblock occurred, or a vehicle number, can go a long way to assisting in combatting the blight of some corrupt officers on all police forces.
The DA will be asking questions on both a local and provincial level about how many people report cases of bribery to the relevant authorities and what plans are in place to combat bribery in known hotspots.
