The traffic officials, who are between the ages of 35 and 49 were arrested on Tuesday, October 30, in the town located over 60 km outside Mahikeng – the province’s capital. 

Hawks spokesperson, Lloyd Ramovha says an investigation into the area which included undercover and surveillance operations was launched after allegations surfaced that there were officials in the area that were demanding bribes from motorists to overlook traffic violations. 

The investigation which Ramovha says was assisted by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) involved some of the investigators posing as civilians which he says in a statement “enabled them to gather first-hand evidence of the alleged illegal transactions”. 

This work led to the arrest of the seven suspects this week. The Directorate’s spokesperson says three of the suspects were apprehended while at work, while the others were arrested at their places of residence on Tuesday. 

They appeared in the local Magistrate’s Court on corruption charges. They were released on R 1000 bail each. 

The traffic officials, Wilson Thubaki Nkashe, Pusoeng Rosline Letsie, Sibe John Lekoma, Kebonang Ishmael Khoboni, Mxolisi Ronny Mqamqo, Olebogeng Daniel Tladi and Tsholofelo Kabelo Molemane-Bogatsu will return to the Lichtenburg Magistrate Court on November 30, regarding the matter.

OFM News