The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said the arrests, made on 1 December, were linked to offences including driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, and reckless or negligent driving, among others.

“Of particular concern is that more than a third of the individuals had outstanding warrants of arrests against their traffic fines that they had ignored to pay. Motorists are advised to ascertain if they have outstanding traffic fines before embarking on their holiday trips in the coming weeks,” the RTMC said on Tuesday.

The festive period is likely to pose great challenges for law enforcement because of the increase in the number of vehicles and heavy rainfalls and infrastructure damaging storms.

Moreover, the number of registered vehicles in the country has increased from about 13 613 451 in September to 13 646 029 in October.

“The increase in vehicle populations will most likely increase the burden on officers and cause more congestions on the roads during peak travel periods. Travellers planning long distance trips are advised to carefully consider their time of travel and avoid night time as more crashes occur after sunset.

“Motorists are further advised to take into consideration that heavy rains experienced by the country recently have compromised the quality of some of the roads. Therefore, travel must take place when visibility is clear to avoid possible potholes that can cause serious damage to vehicles and dent the joyous festive season spirit,” the RTMC said.

The post More than 90 motorists arrested as festive season begins appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

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.

The post Eleven traffic officers arrested for corruption along N1 appeared first on ProtectionWeb.