During a nationwide road safety operation since March, close to 80 motorists were arrested for bribery and corruption.
Image: Tumi Pakkies / Independent Newspapers
Nearly 80 motorists were arrested for alleged bribery and corruption during a nationwide road safety operation, signalling what officials describe as a stricter enforcement approach on South Africa’s roads.
The arrests were made during a six-week campaign that began on March 20 and formed part of heightened traffic monitoring during the Easter holiday period and the Freedom Day long weekend.
According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, the majority of the arrests, 75, were affected by the National Traffic Police, with additional arrests recorded in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Limpopo.
Officials said the motorists allegedly attempted to offer bribes to law enforcement officers to avoid prosecution for traffic violations.
“This is a sign of the new zero-tolerance approach that traffic authorities have adopted to deal with flagrant disregard for traffic regulations,” RTMC said in a statement.
Bribery and corruption in the traffic environment remains a concern, with officials linking the practice to a broader culture of non-compliance among road users. Authorities believe this contributes to the high number of crashes and fatalities recorded daily.
Over the same period, more than 6,800 motorists were arrested for various offences. Drunken driving accounted for the largest share, with 3,138 arrests, followed by 2,235 arrests linked to outstanding warrants for unpaid traffic fines.
Other offences included reckless and negligent driving, speeding, jaywalking on freeways, and the use of fraudulent documentation.
Traffic authorities stated that enforcement operations would remain intensified as the Freedom Day long weekend concludes, with continued monitoring expected ahead of the upcoming Workers' Day long weekend.
Officials added that highly visible policing and strict enforcement would remain in place to curb violations and improve road safety.
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