Eleven traffic officers have been arrested in Polokwane, allegedly for taking bribes from bus operators, taxi drivers and motorists travelling on the N1 highway between Polokwane and Musina. The arrests were conducted by the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), together with the South African Police Service (SAPS). RTMC spokesperson, Simon Zwane, said the suspects were identified after a lengthy investigation.

Zwane said the officers have been under investigation since March 2022, as part of an undercover operation called “coconut” which was targeting law enforcement officials involved in unethical and unlawful conduct along the N1 highway.

“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,” Zwane said.

An investigation conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Unit of the RTMC has revealed that Traffic officials operating along the N1 freeway and adjacent towns and villages abandoned their duties in order to drive to the N1, where they carried out corrupt activities.

Zwane further added that an undercover operation to prevent, detect or investigate the commission of an offence was conducted after an entrapment permission was obtained from the Director of Public Prosecution.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrates Court to face charges relating to defeating the ends of justice, extortion, and solicitation of bribes from motorists, bus driver operators, Malaishas travelling from other provinces through Limpopo Province to Zimbabwe along N1 and alternative routes.

“The arrest of more officials has not been ruled out at this stage as investigations are continuing,” Zwane said.