A major crackdown on corruption along the N1 highway in Limpopo has resulted in the arrest of eleven traffic officers, accused of soliciting bribes from motorists and bus operators.
The arrests, part of an undercover operation dubbed "coconut," are a significant blow to the fight against unethical and unlawful conduct within the traffic enforcement sector.
The National Traffic Anti Corruption Unit (NTACU), under the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), has been investigating the alleged corrupt activities of traffic officials operating along the N1 freeway and in surrounding towns and villages since March 2022.
Simon Zwane, RTMC spokesperson, revealed that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the South African Police Services (SAPS) to address the alarmingly high crash rates on the N1, which are often linked to corrupt practices by law enforcement officials.
"An investigation by the NTACU 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," said Zwane.
The investigation uncovered a disturbing pattern of traffic officers stopping motorists for inspections, only to demand bribes instead of issuing traffic fines for any identified violations. This practice has been particularly prevalent among bus operators and motorists travelling from other provinces to Zimbabwe, often using the N1 and alternative routes.
The NTACU, after obtaining permission for an entrapment operation from the National Prosecuting Authority's director of public prosecution, meticulously gathered evidence against the suspected officers. The investigation, involving detectives from the SAPS Limpopo division, led to the identification and subsequent arrest of the eleven traffic officers.
"The [traffic officers] are expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrates' Court soon to face charges relating to defeating the ends of justice, extortion, and solicitation of bribes from motorists and bus driver operators travelling from other provinces through Limpopo to Zimbabwe along N1 and alternative routes," Zwane stated.
