A Gauteng police officer is facing disciplinary action after a video of an alleged bribery incident went viral on social media on Saturday 6 June.

The video, which began circulating on Facebook today (Saturday 6 June), shows a member of the public confronting a group of officers at a vehicle, demanding the return of R2 000 that was allegedly taken as a bribe from one of his employees.

Although his face is never seen, his voice echoes with anger as he threatens to expose the officers on social media and pressures them to return the money on the spot.

“Please give it to me now, or else I’ll put you on Facebook,” he can be heard saying in the video.

A female officer hands back the R2 000, but he remains furious, berating the group for taking bribes, questioning their integrity and demanding an apology before leaving the scene.

In a press release, police confirmed the officer has been identified and that an investigation has been launched to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

According to the statement, police maintain a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, adding that the acceptance, solicitation or facilitation of a bribe constitutes a criminal offence and a serious violation of the police code of conduct.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Tommy Mthombeni strongly condemned the alleged conduct, saying officers who abuse their authority or betray public trust would be dealt with decisively.

“Our communities deserve professional, ethical and accountable policing, and we remain steadfast in protecting the integrity of the organisation,” said Mthombeni.

The statement added that all officers are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and professionalism, in compliance with the Constitution, the police code of conduct and all applicable legislative and policy frameworks.

Members of the public are urged not to offer bribes and to report any allegations of corruption or extortion involving police officers through the following channels:

• Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 701 701;
• National Complaints Service Centre: 0800 333 177;
• Corruption Watch WhatsApp Line: 072 013 5569;
• Gauteng Service Complaints Standby: 082 442 2000;
• Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

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