Pretoria – A taxi driver has been found guilty of bribing a traffic officer by the Aliwal North Magistrate’s Court.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) on Tuesday said the 25-year-old man from Johannesburg was sentenced to a fine of R4 000 or two years imprisonment.
“The fine and term of imprisonment were suspended for three years and he was ordered to pay R450,” the RTMC said.
The taxi driver offered a R90 bribe to a traffic officer on 3 December 2016.
“The RTMC commends traffic officer Fulton Slinger, of the Eastern Cape Traffic Department, for the arrest and successful prosecution of the case. During this period, he arrested four motorists, who tried to offer him bribes to avoid consequences for speeding and possessing fraudulent documentation.
“Equally so, Officer Slinger continues to be the shining example of a morally upright and ethical traffic officer that we are proud to have in the fraternity,” the RTMC said.
The agency said it is unfortunate that the taxi driver will, as a consequence of this criminal record, find it difficult to get employment.
“This should send a message to motorists that bribing traffic law enforcement officers is a crime. Motorists should heed that warning this Easter and abide by the rules of the road.
“The RTMC will be deploying its National Anti-Corruption Unit in a drive to eliminate bribery and corruption involving traffic officers and motorists,” RTMC said. – SAnews.gov.za
