MACASSAR – Two provincial traffic officers appeared in the Somerset West Magistrates’ Court on corruption charges today (Friday 25 July), after allegedly attempting to extort money from an e-hailing driver.
According to a Macassar police spokesperson, the court appearance follows after the officers were apprehended in connection with the incident that occurred on Saturday 24 May.
The spokesperson said the officers allegedly stopped the driver as his vehicle was travelling along Macassar Road.
“The 38-year-old driver was allegedly asked to present his driver’s license. When he produced his Zimbabwean license, the officers allegedly declared it fake and demanded that he pay an on-the-spot fine of R2 000 or he would face arrest. When the driver said he didn’t have the money, they allegedly reduced the amount to R1 500, which his mother from Hermanus subsequently transferred to him,” said the police spokesperson.
PLAN ABANDONED
The group allegedly agreed to drive to a nearby shopping centre where the driver could withdraw the money from an ATM. At around 17:20 at a shopping centre along the R102, the driver decided to evade the officers by abandoning the ATM plan and fleeing into a supermarket. The driver allegedly escaped from the store and made his way to Macassar Police Station, where he reported the incident. A case of extortion was initially opened for further investigation.
According to the police spokesperson, security footage obtained from the shopping centre helped trace and apprehend the traffic officers. The driver participated in a formal identification process on Thursday 19 June. The suspects, a 33-year-old from Eerste River and a 39-year-old from Khayelitsha, were arrested and charged with corruption yesterday (Thursday 24 July).
After appearing in court, both officers received R1 000 bail each and the matter was postponed to Thursday 2 October.
CURBING CORRUPTION
Muneera Allie, spokesperson for the Western Cape mobility department, confirmed the department is aware of the incident. She, however, stated they are currently not in a position to comment on details of the matter as the police investigation is ongoing.
“The department has instituted an internal investigation process in line with our disciplinary procedures,” said Allie. “The department remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Continuous anti-corruption awareness campaigns are conducted and members of the public are encouraged to report any allegations of corruption. Both offering and accepting a bribe is a criminal offence and will be dealt with decisively.”
