11 traffic officers arrested after breakthrough in highway corruption probe

JOHANNEBSURG - At least eleven traffic officers were detained in Polokwane on Friday by the Road Traffic Management Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU) and the South African Police Service (SAPS). 

The officers were nabbed on suspicion of accepting bribes from drivers, taxi drivers, and bus operators who operated on the N1 highway between Polokwane and Musina. 

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Since March 2022, the officials have been the subject of an inquiry as part of the "Coconut" undercover operation, which targeted law enforcement personnel engaged in immoral and illegal behavior that increased the number of crashes on the N1.

Their alleged modus operandi involved pulling over drivers and performing inspections, and if they discovered problems with the cars or driver's licences, they would seek bribes instead of issuing a fine.

After obtaining permission to entrap someone, the Director of Public Prosecution carried out an undercover operation with the goal of preventing, detecting, or investigating the committing of an offence. 

Following a protracted investigation by provincial detectives in Limpopo and SAPS, the suspects were identified. They are due to appear in the Polokwane Magistrates Court soon, on charges of obstructing the course of justice, extortion, and soliciting bribes from drivers traveling from other provinces to Zimbabwe via the N1 and other routes.

Since investigations are ongoing, it has not been ruled out that more officials may be arrested.