Corrupt traffic officers behind bars
An ongoing joint operation between the Hawks' and the Road Traffic Management Corporation's National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit has netted a further 12 traffic officers in the Tzaneen area.
© Alexander Raths – 123RF.com
The latest arrests bring the number to 17 of traffic officials behind bars.
The operation - code-named CODE 14 and SIYABANGENA - were initiated in April this year and kicked off in the province this week.
“On Tuesday, three traffic examiners aged 46, 49 and 55 respectively and three runners were arrested for allegedly soliciting bribes from potential applicants for learner’s and driving licences at the Nkowankowa testing centre,” the Hawks said on Thursday.
On Wednesday, a further 12 were arrested for the various corruption activities.
“Two other traffic officials who ran away on Tuesday handed themselves over to the investigating team on Wednesday.”
The suspects are expected to appear at the Ritavi Magistrate Court facing charges related to the contravention of the Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 and the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004.
Meanwhile, a traffic officer who conducts highway patrol on the N12 was arrested at the Potchefstroom provincial offices for alleged corruption.
Zahid Bhayat, 40, was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigations unit for allegedly soliciting bribes from motorists on the N12 between Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom.
The Hawks said they will continue to fight the scourge of corruption.
Source: SAnews.gov.za
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