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, especially as the festive season approaches.
PICTURE: The PandaThis warning follows after a Mpumalanga traffic officer, G.M
Hleza, was sentenced by the Ermelo Regional Court for taking a R200 bribe from
undercover anti-corruption agents.
Hleza was arrested after soliciting a R200 bribe from an
agent during Project Arrive Alive on 22 January 2020 and was subsequently
arrested on 3 March 2021.
According to the RTMC, two undercover agents testified
during his trial and the state proved beyond reasonable doubt that Hleza was
guilty on all charges. He 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.
“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 the RTMC in a statement.
The traffic services company called for harsher sentences
against officers who solicit bribes from motorists and urged citizens to report
suspected acts of fraud, corruption, and malfeasance to ntacu@rtmc.co.za
Done by: Mitchum George
No comments:
Post a Comment