Karen Singh|Published
Two Lekwa Municipality Traffic Officers Detained for Alleged Bribery in Standerton
In a coordinated enforcement effort, two traffic officials from the Lekwa Municipality in Standerton, Mpumalanga, were taken into custody after being implicated in soliciting bribes from drivers violating traffic laws.
The individuals, identified as 38-year-old Mndeni Clifford Danisa and 47-year-old Thulisiwe Thandeni Dumakude, were arrested on Thursday following an extensive probe triggered by multiple complaints from the public.
Joint Investigation by RTMC and Hawks Uncovers Corruption
The inquiry was led by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU) of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), in collaboration with the Hawks. Reports from citizens indicated a recurring pattern where motorists were pressured into handing over cash “gratifications” to evade official penalties for traffic infringements.
Undercover Operation Leads to Arrest
The breakthrough came when an undercover officer, acting as a driver, was stopped for speeding and driving without a valid licence. Initially, the officers demanded a R500 bribe, which was later negotiated down to R300 before the arrest was executed.
RTMC spokesperson Zola Malinga emphasized, “This arrest reflects the public’s refusal to accept corruption. It sends a strong message that we will not tolerate individuals who jeopardize the integrity of law enforcement or compromise road safety.”
Hawks Highlight the Impact of Corruption on Road Safety
Captain Samkelo Dlamini, representing the Hawks, confirmed the arrests and underscored the gravity of the misconduct. He described corruption among traffic officers as a “cancer” that significantly contributes to the alarming rates of road accidents and fatalities nationwide.
“Our commitment is unwavering in eliminating this menace to protect all road users,” Dlamini added.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigations
The accused appeared before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where they were each released on bail set at R2,000. Their trial has been deferred to June as investigations continue.
The NTACU remains vigilant in probing various corruption allegations, including irregularities at Driver Learner Testing Centres, Vehicle Testing Centres, Vehicle Registration Centres, and cases involving officer misconduct.
Public Cooperation Vital in Combating Corruption
To strengthen its efforts, the NTACU partners with multiple investigative bodies and encourages the public to report any suspicious or corrupt activities. Citizens can contact the National Anti-Corruption Hotline at 0861 762 847 (08617NaTIS) or email [email protected].
When reporting, it is helpful to provide:
- The location of the incident
- Date and time when the event occurred
- Names of individuals involved
- Details of any money exchanged or gifts offered
- Any additional evidence or information available
