'Bribe-taking Ekurhuleni cop must be arrested': Security expert slams EMPD officer
The City of Ekurhuleni said it has noted with concern the footage published by IOL showing a uniformed EMPD officer accepting a bribe from a motorist.
Image: Screengrab/IOL
A renowned security strategist and retired Interpol ambassador has condemned the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department traffic officer filmed demanding a bribe from a motorist, labeling the act as "purely criminal" and indicative of a wider organized crime syndicate within law enforcement.
Speaking to IOL, security strategist Andy Mashaile said the City of Ekurhuleni must take decisive action against the police officer who demanded "tax" while withholding the motorist's documents.
"The officer knew and still knows that one of the elements of crime is the intention, followed by opportunity and action, among others. He was fully aware that he was committing a crime. At the back of his mind, he thought he would get away with murder, that he would not be identified. He knew what he was getting himself into, and there must be consequences management," he said.
"In this case, consequences management would mean instant suspension from work. Secondly, there must be a criminal case opened against this officer. Thirdly, this officer must be arrested. Lastly, this officer deserves to be dismissed on the spot if there is to be seriousness in combating as well as prevention of corrupt activities within law enforcement agencies."
Mashaile said the criminal justice cluster in South Africa is struggling with rotten apples who have damaged the reputation of the different agencies.
He added: "I am definitely sure that when it goes to court, the officer will be found wanting, in terms of explaining his behaviour. Having read what is said by the other party (the motorist), how do you make a motorist wait for 15 minutes, forcing him to pay you for a crime of having an engine which is not properly washed?"
Security strategist and retired Interpol ambassador Andy Mashaile spoke to IOL
Image: Supplied
Mashaile asked why the supervisor who was in charge of the police operation did not approach the vehicle which had been made to wait by the bribe-seeking traffic officer.
"The supervisor must take part of the responsibility from a conduct point of view, unless if the officers are doing as they wish, and go out there without being deployed. Clearly that officer is a bully on the road. That is the kind of officers that we do not want on our roads. When one encounters bullies like him, we must use law enforcement to bully him within the legal confines. That would mean an arrest, where an arrest is deserved. This officer must understand that he is not law unto himself."
Mashaile said the officer used the power of his uniform to "act on his criminal and evil intention to solicit, intimidate, and extort a bribe.” He added that this behavior is common with some traffic officers as well as some SAPS members and that it's an "organised crime syndicate pretending to be law enforcement agents."
The motorist claims the officer demanded "tax" to let him go after a questionable inspection of his vehicle's engine, with the entire incident reportedly captured on video.
Image: Screengrab
The City of Ekurhuleni has officially launched an investigation after IOL shared the video showing one of its EMPD officers demanding and taking a bribe.
Speaking to IOL, Phakamile Mbengashe, spokesperson for the City of Ekurhuleni, said the city "has noted with concern the footage circulating online allegedly showing an EMPD officer accepting a bribe from a motorist." Mbengashe added that the city condemns "any form of corruption and misconduct by its officials in the strongest terms."
The matter has been referred to Internal Audit and is currently under investigation, with appropriate disciplinary and legal action to be taken.
The city's investigation was sparked by a motorist's exclusive account to IOL. The victim detailed how he and his wife were pulled over by the officer on Albertina Sisulu Road while returning from the Johannesburg CBD.
According to the motorist, after a brief inspection of his car, the officer claimed the engine had oil and then demanded that the motorist "pay tax" to be allowed to leave, while withholding his documents.
“My car wasn't washed properly, that is why there was some oil on the engine. The traffic officer said I had to pay tax for him to let me go, while he was still holding my documents. I asked him what the tax was, and he said that shows we are not willing to go yet,” the motorist told IOL.
After being left to wait for 15 minutes, the motorist recorded the officer while handing him R50 as evidence.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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