Two Tzaneen traffic officers sentenced for corruption

South African Police Service

Two Tzaneen traffic officers sentenced for corruption
Two Tzaneen traffic officers sentenced for corruption

Two Tzaneen Provincial Traffic police officials, Stanley Kgapane Makhurupetje (43), and Motsatsi Portia Ramphelo (34), were convicted for corruption and sentenced by the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on the 15 August 2019.

In December 2017, The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) conducted a sting operation in Tzaneen area that was aimed at addressing reports of corruption by traffic officers on the local roads.

During the operation, Makhurpetje and Ramphelo together with other 11 traffic officers stationed at Tzaneen and Bolobedu respectively, were arrested for allegedly receiving bribes ranging from R150 to R 2000 from motorists who reportedly contravened the Road Traffic Act. Both accused were granted bail of R10 000-00 each during their trial.

Makhurupetje was sentenced to 4 years direct imprisonment with no option of a fine and suspended for 2 years while Ramphelo was sentenced to 2 years direct imprisonment with no option of a fine. The trial against other accused is yet to conclude.

Meanwhile the Hawks’ Acting Provincial Head in Limpopo, Brigadier Thabo Ramela has lauded the team for its efforts in securing these sentences.

“This should serve as a wakeup call to all law enforcers, that those who break the law will be dealt with without fear of favour”, he said.

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service