Traffic officers who allegedly take itjotjo have been arrested for their involvement in extorting money from bus operators, taxi drivers and motorists travelling on the N1 highway between Polokwane and Musina. The 11 traffic officers were arrested by the Road Traffic Management Anti-Corruption Unit together with South African Police Services in Polokwane yesterday.

WATCHED LIKE A HAWK

Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said the officials had been under investigation since March 2022 as part of an undercover operation which was targeting law enforcement officials involved in unethical and unlawful conduct. "An investigation by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (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. It is alleged that the officers stopped motorists and conducted inspections, but they would demand bribes instead of issuing a traffic fine when they found faults with the vehicles or driving licences."

UNDERCOVER

RTMC said an undercover operation to prevent and investigate the commission of an offence was conducted after an entrapment permission was obtained from the Director of Public Prosecution. "The suspects were identified after a lengthy investigation involving the South African Police Service from Limpopo provincial detectives. The suspects are expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court soon to face charges relating to defeating the ends of justice, extortion and solicitation of bribes from motorists, bus driver operators, malayishas travelling from other provinces through Limpopo province to Zimbabwe along N1 and alternative routes,"said RTMC. The arrest of more officers has not been ruled out at this stage as investigations are continuing.