Two corrupt traffic officials expelled
The officers were allegedly soliciting bribes from truck drivers
Two traffic officers allegedly soliciting bribes from truck drivers have been dismissed by the KZN Department of Transport (DoT).
The two members of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) in Newcastle were shown the door after a lengthy investigation dating back to 2018.
They were caught in possession of money believed to have been obtained through the proceeds of crime. It’s alleged they were taking money from truck drivers and allowing them to continue, despite violations.
Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Sipho Hlomuka said his department finalised the matter last month and issued them with a dismissal notice.
“Their case is going to be rolled in court after it was temporarily struck off the roll pending further investigation,” said Hlomuka.
“The dismissed traffic officers were arrested after the work of a task team which included Public Transport Enforcement Services, SAPS Crime Intelligence and Newcastle SAPS.
“The investigation on the allegations of irregularities in the Driver Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) has, to date, resulted in six examiners being charged.
“Some for issuing learner’s licences to foreign nationals, which the department has since cancelled.
“This follows the arrest of three suspects in Hammersdale a week ago, believed to be acting as jockeys and writing on behalf of the applicants for money.”
Hlomuka added that his department is taking a tough stance against corrupt traffic officials.
“Those traffic officers who are accepting bribes are undermining provincial efforts of fighting the scourge of fatalities on the road and have no space in our department.
“The fact that the two of them are now dismissed is an indication that we are very serious about rooting out rotten apples within our ranks.
“We have taken a position against truck drivers, considering the alarming levels of accidents. As we are approaching the festive season, we are firmly focused on dealing with drivers who violate the law.
“We plan to reduce the levels of crashes and fatalities. To achieve this, we need ethical, dedicated traffic officials with high moral values,” said Hlomuka.
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