Know your rights when you get pulled over
Ensuring peace of mind and fair conduct, from and to law enforcers, you can armour yourself with knowing your rights.
Why do you fear getting pulled over by traffic officers?
With stories of bribes and assaults by traffic officers, citizen’s unrest can be understood.
Department Manager of Mogale City’s Traffic Department, William Nchefu, explained that traffic officers should not be seen as “bugs” and are only there to protect the people they serve.
“Traffic officers and police officers, who are both entitled to pull you over, are normal people who enforce the law,” said Sergeant Tshepiso Mashale, Krugersdorp Police’s spokesperson.
Knowing your rights when you get pulled over is the best way to ensure peace of mind and service of justice.
A traffic officer should always greet you with respect, whether you are guilty or innocent.
“They should establish if the driver is in any way at fault and if a fine should be given,” Ncehfu said.
If you feel that the fine is in any way unfair or unnecessary, you can contact the traffic department as soon as possible to settle the matter.
“You can also appear before the court on the date set out in the fine you have been issued,” Nchefu explained.
At court, you can explain your side of the story, with the fine either being retracted or not.
“The justice system can be seen as the parent who has to enforce rules unto their children if they disobey,” Nchefu cheerfully added.
Keep in mind that you are entitled to ask for the arresting officer’s appointment certificate. If this is not produced, the officer has no right to arrest you.
But, according to Nchefu, bribery is by no means acceptable.
“Members must at all costs refuse to make a bribed payment to a traffic officer,” he firmly explained.
“Take note of the officer’s name and immediately report the matter to the traffic department.”
Mashale advised that if you feel unsafe at the location you are pulled over, you can stop at the nearest garage or busy public space.
