As the holidays approach, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has warned law enforcement officers that anti-corruption units will be out in full force to deal with unacceptable, unethical and unprofessional conduct.
Simon Zwane, chief communications officer for RTMC said this warning follows the sentencing of a Mpumalanga traffic officer by the Ermelo Regional Court for taking a R200 bribe from undercover anti-corruption agents.
“GM Hleza was arrested after soliciting a R200 bribe from an agent during Project Drive Alive on January 22, 2022,” said Mr Zwane. “Two undercover agents testified during his trial and the state proved beyond reasonable doubt that Hleza was guilty of all charges.”
Hleza pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to a R4 000 fine or 12 months’ imprisonment. He was further sentenced to five years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years should he not be convicted of the same crime during this period. Hleza was also subjected to a disciplinary hearing, which found him guilty and terminated his employment. He took the matter to arbitration but failed to have the decision of the disciplinary committee overturned, said Mr Zwane.
“Bribery, corruption, and other unlawful activities do not only tarnish the image of our traffic law enforcement fraternity; it leads to devastating consequences, including loss of life,” said Mr Zwane.
“The RTMC calls for harsher sentences against officers who solicit bribes from motorists and urges citizens to report suspected acts of fraud, corruption, and malfeasance.”
Motorists can report cases to [email protected] or by WhatsApp to 083 293 7989.
