Three female traffic officers were released on R1 000 bail each after the Serious Corruption Investigation team arrested them on an allegation of illiciting a bribe from a truck driver.
Mamodiehi Pakiso Nkwinika (43), Mohapa Maggie Motaung (44), and Ditshabako Sefudi (45) appeared in the Kroonstad Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 16 October, charges of corruption. The case was postponed to 10 November.
The trio were arrested on Saturday, 14 October, by members of the Serious Corruption Investigation unit.
According to Lt Col Zweli Mohobeleli, spokesperson for the Hawks in the Free State, it is alleged that the officers stopped a truck between Hennenman and Kroonstad on 14 October for a roadside inspection.
“They discovered an apparent Road Traffic Act transgression but made demands for a R2 000 gratification instead of issuing a fine. The driver informed his employer about this arrangement who, in turn, immediately alerted the police. An entrapment operation was conducted which led to the arrest of the three officers,” says Mohobeleli.
Free State head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Maj. Gen. Mokgadi Bokaba, conveyed his appreciation to the truck owner for reporting the crime.
“Law enforcement officers must know that the Hawks have a bird’s view of their actions. Anytime they accept a bribe, they could be walking into a trap,” she warns.
