Two provincial traffic officials from Limpopo appeared in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Monday, September 9, on a charge of corruption after they allegedly solicited a R200 bribe at a roadblock.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi Dzhangi said Eugene Nhlanhla Masina and Jacob Matjiane Pitso face charges for contravening sections 4(a), alternatively section 3(a) under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004.
They are accused of accepting a bribe and obstructing justice after they allegedly acted in common purpose during a roadside stop near Moutse, in the Sekhukhune District.
According to the reports, the officials stopped a vehicle with three occupants, including the driver, who was spotted using a cellphone while driving, a violation of traffic laws.
Instead of issuing a fine, they allegedly demanded a R100 bribe to overlook the offence. When the driver stated he only had R200, the occupants pooled the amount together.
Unbeknownst to Masina and Pitso, the driver and his passengers were members of the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations also known as the Hawks, who were travelling in an unmarked vehicle.
After allegedly receiving the R200, the traffic officials informed the driver that they would keep the entire amount because they did not have change.
At this point, one of the officers revealed his identity and arrested both officials for corruption.
In subsequent bail hearings, Masina was denied bail as the court found that he failed to satisfy the requirements of in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act.
His co-accused, Pitso, facing an offence in terms of criminal procedure, was granted bail of R20,000, significantly higher than the R1,000 his attorney had requested, as the court deemed the offence serious.
State Advocate Martin Molokwane argued that the bail should reflect the gravity of the charge, saying that corruption undermines public service regardless of the amount involved.
The matter has been postponed to October 30, for further investigation.
IOL News