A 35 years-old North West Public Safety traffic officer based at Koster was arrested by the South African Police Service's organised crime unit on Monday afternoon on allegations of soliciting R2 250 bribery from a Botswana based truck company for overloading.
The officer was allegedly arrested red-handed during the handover of a further R750 after R1 500 was earlier deposited into his banking account through internet banking. According to the police, a complaint of bribery and corruption was lodged through Interpol in Botswana and information regarding the case forwarded to their South African counterparts who set up the trap and effected the arrest.
In commenting the cooperation of Interpol and the effort of the local police in fighting corruption, North West MEC for Public Safety, Howard Yawa has stressed that there is no place in the public service for corrupt officials who are motivated by self-enrichment and greed in their dealing with the public.
"With the support of whistle blowers, we’ll crack the whip to eliminate the rot associated with bribery and corruption until such time that we are left with a cadreship of public servants who respect the uniform they wear and the authority that goes with it" says MEC Yawa.
In recent weeks, the provincial department has taken drastic measures to root out corruption from among its ranks, these include cancellation of learner driver licenses issued fraudulently and suspension of traffic officials involved in corrupt activities.
Criminal and disciplinary actions are being pursued against all suspects involved.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 018 381 9171
Fax: 018 381 9123
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Public Safety, North West Provincial Government
3 November 2009
