The IFP urges the MEC for transport, Hon. Mxolisi Kaunda to intensify efforts to combat corruption in the KZN Traffic Police Service.
The recent article which exposed two Durban police officers who have been arrested on charges of corruption after they had allegedly tried to solicit a bribe of R 2 500 from a truck driver in Westville is a clear reflection of corruption that exists in the service. Such corrupt activities has the potential to tarnish the image of the traffic police service and our province at large.
This corrupt behaviour should not be tolerated. Senior Management in the Traffice Police Service must regard these allegations as serious and must assure those affected and all citizens that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and the alleged suspects and any others found guilty will be severely dealth with. Corruption remains a crucial challenge to many sectors and the Police service has also been infected with this scourge.
It is due largely to the impunity with which cases are dealth with as well as the lack of decisive action by Senior Officials who are not articulating their oath of service. If left unchecked, corruption will continue to undermine the ability of the police to discharge their responsibilities effectively by alienating and losing the confidence of those they are supposed to serve.
The IFP would also like to caution motorists to refrain from making any direct or on the spot payment to any police officer at any place other than a police station. It should be made clear that any payment to be made for any traffic violation should only be made at the nearest police station or at a magistrate’s court within the jurisdiction of the area where the violation has occured. It is also imperative that a receipt follows any and all payments. Should any member of the public be in a situation where there is a request to make a direct or on the spot payment to a police officer, the member must insist on meeting the officer at the police station. No traffic fines are to be settled in those manner as this is a corrupt practice which needs to be rooted out of the traffic police service.
The IFP urges traffic police officers to remain professional and uphold the integrity of the police service.
We, the IFP call on government to demonstrate a sustained and sincere commitment to acting on police corruption at all levels by promoting reforms that combine punitive measures with structural changes that will help stem the tide of corruption and any other unacceptable practices perpetrated by those who are suppose to serve with dignity and integrity.
Issued by: Hon. Steven Moodley MPL.
IFP KZN Spokesperson on Transport
083 253 2277
Date: 11 December 2018