By Lerato Mpembe
The Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), arrested 11 traffic officers in Polokwane. The officers were apprehended for allegedly accepting bribes from bus operators, taxi drivers, and motorists travelling on the N1 highway between Polokwane and Musina. This comes after a year-long undercover operation aimed at tackling corruption among traffic officers, which has been linked to the high number of crashes on the N1.
The arrests took place on Friday, following a thorough investigation led by the RTMC’s National Anti-Corruption Unit. RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane confirmed the arrests and detailed the undercover operation, which began in March 2022 under the codename “Coconut.” The operation targeted traffic officers involved in unethical and unlawful conduct, particularly focusing on those who used their positions to extort bribes from motorists.
Long-term Investigation Leads to Arrests
The investigation revealed that certain traffic officers stationed along the N1 highway were abandoning their official duties to engage in corrupt activities. These officers would stop motorists for inspections, but instead of issuing traffic fines when violations were detected, they demanded bribes to overlook the faults. The bribes ranged from small amounts for minor infractions to larger sums, particularly from bus operators and Malaishas (cross-border traders) travelling to Zimbabwe.
“It is alleged that the officers stopped motorists and conducted inspections, but they would demand bribes instead of issuing a traffic fine when they found faults with the vehicles or driving licences,” said Zwane. “An investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Unit of the RTMC has so far revealed that Traffic officials operating along the N1 freeway and those inside towns and villages abandon their duties and drive to the N1 to carry out corrupt activities.”
Undercover Operation “Coconut”
The undercover operation “Coconut” was meticulously planned and executed over several months. After receiving numerous complaints from motorists and an increasing number of accidents on the N1, the RTMC sought permission from the Director of Public Prosecution to conduct an entrapment operation. This allowed undercover officers to observe and document the corrupt activities of the traffic officials.
Zwane explained that the undercover team posed as ordinary motorists, taxi drivers, and bus operators, allowing them to gather critical evidence of bribery and extortion by the traffic officers. “An undercover operation to prevent, detect or investigate the commission of an offence was conducted after an entrapment permission was obtained from the Director of Public Prosecution,” Zwane added.
Corruption Linked to High Road Accident Rates
One of the most concerning aspects of the investigation was the direct link between corruption on the N1 and the increasing number of road accidents. Traffic officers are meant to enforce road safety regulations, but when they accept bribes, they allow unroadworthy vehicles and unlicensed drivers to continue using the roads. This negligence has contributed to the high rate of accidents, especially on the N1 highway, which is one of the busiest and most dangerous routes in South Africa.
“By allowing unroadworthy vehicles to pass through without proper inspections, these officers are putting countless lives at risk,” said a road safety expert who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Corruption not only undermines the rule of law but also compromises the safety of every road user.”
Charges and Court Appearance
The 11 arrested officers are expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrates Court to face charges of defeating the ends of justice, extortion, and solicitation of bribes. These are serious offences, and if convicted, the officers could face lengthy prison sentences and be permanently banned from working in law enforcement.
“The arrest of more officials has not been ruled out at this stage as investigations are continuing,” Zwane stated. The RTMC has vowed to root out corruption within its ranks, warning that no one involved in such activities will be spared.
Public Reaction and Call for Accountability
The arrests have sparked widespread public interest, with many calling for stricter oversight of traffic officers and harsher penalties for those found guilty of corruption. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have been flooded with comments from South Africans expressing frustration at the endemic corruption within the country’s law enforcement agencies.
One user, @MzansiDriver, commented: “Finally! Something is being done about these corrupt officers on the N1. How many lives have been lost because of their greed?”
Another user, @RoadSafetyNow, added: “This is just the tip of the iceberg. We need to hold every corrupt official accountable. Well done to the RTMC and SAPS for taking action.”
RTMC’s Ongoing Anti-Corruption Efforts
The RTMC has been making strides in its efforts to clean up corruption within traffic enforcement agencies across South Africa. The success of Operation Coconut demonstrates the RTMC’s commitment to addressing unethical behaviour, particularly on key highways like the N1, which serve as major arteries for cross-border traffic and commerce.
In recent years, the NTACU has conducted several similar operations, leading to the arrest and dismissal of corrupt officials in various provinces. According to RTMC’s annual report, over 100 traffic officers have been arrested nationwide since 2021 for corruption-related charges.
SAPS and Government Response
The South African government has also praised the arrests, with Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga commending the RTMC and SAPS for their joint efforts in tackling corruption. “These arrests send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated in our law enforcement agencies. We are committed to ensuring that our roads are safe, and we will continue to root out any elements that undermine this goal,” she said.
SAPS Limpopo spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, confirmed that the police will continue to work closely with the RTMC to ensure that traffic officers adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. “We will not allow a few corrupt individuals to tarnish the reputation of our law enforcement agencies. We encourage the public to report any instances of corruption so that we can take swift action.”
The Road Ahead: Restoring Trust in Traffic Law Enforcement
While the arrests mark a significant victory in the fight against corruption, restoring public trust in traffic law enforcement will take time. Many South Africans have long been sceptical of the integrity of traffic officers, particularly in rural and border regions where bribery is often seen as commonplace.
The RTMC has outlined a series of reforms aimed at improving accountability and transparency within the traffic enforcement system. These include the installation of more surveillance cameras on major highways, increasing the use of unmarked vehicles for spot checks, and expanding the NTACU’s operations to cover other regions known for high levels of corruption.
“We are committed to rooting out corruption and restoring public trust in our traffic law enforcement agencies,” Zwane concluded. “This is just the beginning of a larger effort to ensure that all South Africans can travel on our roads without fear of encountering corrupt officers.”
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