Predatory traffic officers and police are leading a new crime racket, targeting international tourists by demanding bribes shortly after they arrive in the country through OR Tambo International Airport – or as they depart.
This latest trend has alarmed tourism and crime watchdogs who are warning that similar sophisticated police gangs are operating on major tourist routes across the country, including in the vicinity of the Kruger National Park, along the Garden Route and on the N4 highway to Mozambique.
This week, Corruption Watch told the Saturday Star it had received more than 15 reports of police officials taking bribes from tourists as they arrived or left the country. Other industry experts said they had received similar complaints.
“There seem to be two main trends,” explained Moira Campbell, Corruption Watch’s spokeswoman. “Coming out of the airport, police officers claim that foreigners have contravened the rules of the road, or do not have the required licence.” In areas with high international tourist traffic, such as the Kruger park, officers use the same ploy with tourists.
“They target rental cars,” Campbell said, “knowing that there’s a 99 percent chance foreigners will be in the cars, and they demand payment of the ‘fine’ immediately.”…
South Africa Travel – Travel Advisory
