'I gave him R50': Ekurhuleni traffic officer in hot soup for demanding and receiving ‘tax'

A GAUTENG motorist alleges he was extorted by an Ekurhuleni traffic officer who demanded a bribe along a public road.

- JONISAYI MAROMO

The victim, who spoke to IOL on condition of anonymity, 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.

The incident occurred on September 5 last week when the motorist and his wife were driving along Albertina Sisulu Road, heading towards the N12 highway. The couple, who were on their way home after buying goods in the Johannesburg CBD, were pulled over by the officer.

According to the motorist's account, the officer requested his driver's licence, passport, and traffic register.

After inspecting the documents, the officer instructed him to open the vehicle's bonnet.

Following a brief inspection of the engine, the officer claimed the engine had oil and then stated that the motorist had to "pay tax" to be allowed to leave.

The motorist alleged that the traffic officer was withholding his documents.