A viral video of a traffic official taking a bribe from a motorist prompted a formal probe by the Gauteng Department of Community Safety.
The circulating footage captures a man appearing to be a mini-bus taxi driver handing over cash to the official.
Preliminary findings from the department revealed that the recorded incident is not recent. The official belongs to the freeway patrol unit and has been on maternity leave for the past few months.
Authorities welcomed the public sharing of the footage exposing corruption. Officials condemned the behavior shown in the recording.
“The department unequivocally condemns such conduct as it undermines public trust, compromises the integrity of law enforcement agencies and erodes the efforts aimed at promoting road safety and ensuring compliance with traffic legislation,” the department said in a statement.
Officials said a full inquiry is underway and promised to release findings once the process concludes. Disciplinary measures will follow internal regulations.
“Appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the Public Service Disciplinary Code,” the department said.
The agency recently deployed bodycams to Gauteng traffic police officers. These tools provide oversight during public interactions.
“As part of measures to strengthen accountability and curb opportunities for bribery and corruption, the department has recently rolled out bodycams to Gauteng traffic police officers. These devices are intended to record interactions between officers and members of the public, thereby promoting transparency and providing an additional layer of oversight,” the department explained.
Supervisory procedures are tightened to ensure personnel keep the recording hardware active during shifts.
“Measures are being put in place to monitor adherence to the approved standard operating procedures (SOPs) with appropriate action to be taken against officials who fail to comply,” the department said.
Authorities directed citizens to report illegal acts through designated channels, including the Anti-Corruption Hotline at 0800 701 071 and the Gauteng Provincial Hotline at 0800 228 827.
“Members of the public are also urged to refrain from offering bribes to law enforcement officers or any other officials in exchange for favours, the withdrawal of charges or the avoidance of legal consequences,” the department said.