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The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), through its Secunda-based Serious Corruption Investigation Unit, in collaboration with the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), conducted an operation at the Lekwa Municipality Traffic Department following a lengthy investigation into alleged corrupt activities involving local traffic officials in Standerton.
The investigation was initiated after several complaints were received from motorists who alleged that they were coerced into paying gratification, after committing traffic violations.
During the investigation, an undercover police official was stopped by two traffic officials, a 38-year-old male senior traffic officer and a 47-year-old female traffic officer, for speeding and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
According to the investigation, the officials initially demanded a gratification of R500.00. After the undercover officer pleaded for leniency, he was coerced into paying at least R300, which he paid.
He was subsequently allowed to leave without being issued a traffic fine.
Further investigation led to the identification of the suspects, resulting in their arrest on Thursday, 16 April 2026.
The suspects are currently being processed and are expected to appear in court, once administrative procedures have been finalised.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, issued a stern warning against the abuse of authority for personal gain.
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