The idea of getting a fine for a traffic offence is something we do not look forward to, but giving a bribe to a traffic official is worse.
Recently five people I know of, including my friend, received a speeding fine.
Seriously, none of them knew that specific spot on Springs West Road was marked as a 50km/h zone.
They were all surprisingly stopped by madam traffic officer, for driving more or less 30km/h over the speed limit.
Difference is, four friends were fined R1 000 and one only R600, with all five only one or two kilometres’ difference.
The friendly traffic official was singing while checking my friends’ details on her driver’s license.
While my ever-so-friendly friend complimented her on her beautiful voice, she very soon regretted the very same compliment when she was informed she was about to be locked up.
“Anything above 80km/h means jail”, says the officer.
Recovering from shock my friend replied her boss would not be impressed with her going to jail, as she was on duty on the day.
The officer immediately said they can make a plan.
The official’s plan immediately sent out danger signals of bribery.
She suddenly remembered a story where her friend Martin Smuts was travelling on the Pietersburg highway when he was stopped by traffic officials on duty.
The official, without hesitation, instructed Martin to put the bribe amount under a stone about 500m away from there.
When Martin got to the stone and lifted it up, a large amount awaited him under it.
He took all the money and left R50 under the stone.
Off course Martin wished he was there to experience the official’s face when he went to collect his bribes.
To get back to my friend, she asked the official what ‘plan’ she had in mind.
Needless to say a lot of suggestions of a second job or hand-out of pamphlets to make extra money was mentioned, but lastly she still suggested another plan could be made.
After the metro official completed the fine, she realised because of my friend’s work, she could make life difficult for her.
The speed on the fine was immediately reduced to 66km/h and the amount was changed from R1 000 to R600.
Another official did not receive a bribe and therefore we are grateful.
