POLOKWANE – A 32 year old female suspect is expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate Court after being charged with alleged bribery,
The suspect is an official from a private testing station in Polokwane and was arrested on Wednesday, 22 November 2017 during a sting operation set up between the Anti-Fraud and Corruption Unit of the Department of Transport Limpopo and the Directorate for Prioritized Crime (Hawks) as part of Operation “NDADZI.
The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Unit had received information about the said suspect who was attempting to bribe an official from the Department of Transport to squash a case against her for operating a bogus vehicle testing station in Polokwane.
“In fear of being de-registered and charged for fraud by the Anti-Fraud and Corruption Unit, the suspect requested to meet one of the units agents at a well-known fast food outlet. The Hawks arrested her after she handed over a R10 000 ‘bribe’ to the undercover officer from the Department of Transport Limpopo,” said Matome Moremi, Spokesperson for the Department of Transport.
This investigation was prompted after a vehicle which had been impounded at an accident scene was later passed as roadworthy and issued a road worthiness certificate at the same time and date that the vehicle was in the impound. “The vehicle was observed at the pound by the Anti-Fraud and Corruption unit and could not have been presented to the said testing officer to be tested,” explains Moremi.
Accordinf to Hawks Spokesperson, Capt Matimba Maluleke the suspect will remain in custody until she appears for a formal bail application.
“We commend the swift and resilient action of our Traffic Officials in the Province, who continue to respect the badge and boldy with pride say #SayNoToBribery,” Transport MEC Makhurupetje said.
“We thank the Polokwane Traffic and the Hawks for their cooperation and for a job well done,” she concluded.
