Late this afternoon, two Western Cape Traffic officials were arrested on charges of corruption. I welcome these arrests and want to send a strong message to all other employees that corruption will not be tolerated by the Western Cape Government.
The arrests follow a thorough investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Community Safety.
The allegations of corruption were brought to the attention of the Provincial Traffic Department when members of the public came forward alleging that the two officers were soliciting bribes from motorists. Kenny Africa, Provincial Traffic Chief immediately alerted SAPS, which after investigating the matter thoroughly were able to make the arrests.
One of the officers will be appearing in the George Magistrates court tomorrow, Tuesday, 26 March 2013, and the other officer in the Athlone Magistrates court on Wednesday, 27 March 2013.
I want to make it clear that this government has zero tolerance towards corruption. We have many honest and hardworking employees and the corrupt deeds of a few will not be tolerated. If you are caught you will be arrested and the law will take its course.
Kenny Africa, Provincial Traffic Chief said, “I am deeply disappointed by the conduct of these two officers and I hope this sends a strong message to all our employees that we will not tolerate corruption in the provincial traffic service. I will not allow a few rotten apples to tarnish the good work of all the honest and hardworking employees in the Western Cape Traffic Services.”
I urge anyone with information about irregularities in the Western Cape Government to report the matter to the Forensic Audit Component of the Provincial Administration. This includes instances of corruption, fraud, theft and misuse of government property to the below contact details:
Street address: 9 Riebeek Street, 4th Floor, Atterbury House, Cape Town
Postal address: PO Box 659, Cape Town, 8000
Tel: 021 483 0901
Fax: 021 483 0928
Toll-free: 0800 701 701
E-mail: cthomopoulos@deloitte.co.za
Media enquiries:
Dan Plato
MEC of Community Safety
Cell: 076 832 5505
Greg Wagner
Spokesperson for MEC Plato
Cell: 072 623 4499
