Durban – A traffic officer in KwaZulu-Natal has been arrested and charged with corruption after allegedly demanding a bribe from a truck driver at a weigh bridge.
Police spokesperson Major Thulani Zwane said the 33-year-old traffic officer was arrested and charged with corruption on 3 July after he allegedly solicited money from a truck driver at the Melmoth Weighridge.
Zwane said: “It is alleged that a truck was impounded by the traffic officers for not being roadworthy as the brakes were found to be faulty after it was inspected. The truck was impounded at the traffic offices premises after the suspect allegedly demanded an amount of R2 500 in order to release it.
“The driver of the truck informed his boss as to what the officer demanded, for the truck to be released. This led to the Hawks Anti-Corruption Unit to intervene.
“A sting operation was conducted that led to the arrest of one suspect. He appeared in the Melmoth Magistrates Court on 6 July 2015 and the case was remanded until 13 July 2015 for bail application. The police investigation continues and more arrests are expected.”
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni said: “We appeal to the community to report any corruption to the police so that corrupt officers will be charged accordingly.”
ANA