''Do not accept bribes,'' RTMC warns traffic officers

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.

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This 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