LIMPOPO, SOUTH AFRICA 10 December 2009: The launch of the 2009 Festive Season Arrive Alive Campaign in the Waterberg District on Thursday, 10 December 2009. This year the campaign was launched under the theme "Operation Safer Festive Season". (Photo by Gallo Images/Foto24/Deaan Vivier)
The South African Police Services (Saps) in Polokwane have arrested a 35-year-old traffic police officer for allegedly accepting money and six cool drinks from a truck driver.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the incident occurred along Matlala Road in Extension 76, Polokwane.
“It is alleged that on Friday, 24 April 2026, at about 14:00, members of the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit were conducting their duties when they observed a government-issued white VW Polo with blue lights stopping a white truck loaded with cold drinks,” he said in a media statement on Sunday.
Exchange of money
Mashaba added that the police reportedly observed the truck driver approaching the state vehicle and allegedly handing over an undisclosed amount of money to the traffic police officer seated inside.
It is alleged that the same truck driver was seen returning to the traffic police officer’s car with six 2-litre Lemon Twist cold drinks, which were allegedly placed at the rear side of the car.
Furthermore, it is alleged that the traffic police officer sped off after noticing that he had been observed by members of the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit.
Pursuing the traffic police officer
Mashaba said the police pursued the vehicle and made several attempts to stop it, but the traffic police officer allegedly refused to comply and continued driving at high speed.
“The officer was eventually intercepted at a traffic point in Westenburg with the assistance of senior traffic officers,” he added.
“During a search of the vehicle, the police recovered six 2-litre Lemon Twist cold drinks and a cash amount of R600, which the traffic police officer allegedly failed to account for.”
A law enforcement officer who accepts a bribe is committing corruption, a criminal offence under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, and can be charged, dismissed from duty, fined, and imprisoned for up to 15 years, depending on the severity of the offence.
Arrested for corruption
Mashaba said the individual was arrested on a charge of corruption as no explanation could be provided for the money and the cool drinks.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the arrest of the Traffic Police officer which is part of broader efforts to combat corruption within the ranks of law enforcement.
“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that all law enforcement officers soliciting bribes and engaging in unethical conduct are arrested and subjected to the Criminal Justice System,” said Hadebe.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Seshego Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
