MBOMBELA – Not so long ago the president of the South African Passengers Organization (SAPO) in the province, Mr Veli Mathe urged traffic officers to learn to love and respect their job by not accepting bribes from drivers who are found on the wrong side of the law so that road accidents can be reduced.
Recently, two traffic officers found themselves in hot water following their arrest on allegations of taking a bribe from an allegedly drunk driver last Saturday at The Grove Shopping Centre.
It is alleged that the traffic officers demanded a payment of R1000, 00 so that they could free the driver from undergoing any blood tests after the driver’s involvement in an accident and it’s alleged that the driver could only give the officers R400,00.
Mpumalanga News learnt that the driver subsequently complained to an SAPS member stationed at White River who then followed the two officers’ vehicle. He stopped them and both vehicles drove to the Nelspruit Police Station.
The two officers were subsequently then arrested for corruption.
This immoral behaviour of the officers was lambasted by the MEC of community safety, security and liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe as he said: “It’s very disturbing that officers who are supposed to be custodians of law and order are found on the wrong side of the law.”
He said the allegations against the two were very serious and if they were indeed true, it would be unfortunate as it compromises not only the war against crime, but government’s efforts to bring to book those who break traffic laws.
The officers made their first appearance in Nelspruit Magistrate Court on Monday for bail application as they were charged with corruption and they have further appeared in court.
They will also appear again in court today for a judgement on their bail application yesterday.
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