Corruption Allegations Surface: Gauteng safety department denounces traffic wardens

Share the Article:

The Gauteng Department of Community Safety has publicly condemned the alleged unlawful actions of Gauteng Traffic Wardens in Benoni, which are claimed to involve extortion and corruption.

This condemnation follows reports and allegations made on Tuesday regarding the conduct of these officials, highlighting concerns about integrity and accountability in law enforcement within the region.

According to reports, two wardens, who were officially on duty and tasked with conducting visible foot patrols at a school in Benoni, allegedly left their designated posts.

Instead of fulfilling their responsibilities, they traveled within the Benoni area using a private vehicle that bore false number plates.

While travelling, they allegedly stopped a domestic worker and, upon discovering that she was a foreign national, requested to inspect her documentation.

Based on what they allegedly found in the documentation, they then requested the domestic worker to give them money to avoid being arrested. Allegedly, an amount of approximately R4000 was extorted from the domestic worker in this incident.

The domestic worker informed her employer about the incident, leading them to visit the Benoni South African Police Service (SAPS) to file a report.

Subsequently, the vehicle involved was flagged in the SAPS database as a vehicle of interest, and later that same day, it was successfully intercepted in the Central Business District (CBD) of Benoni.

The department has expressed that it considers the actions of the two officials as severe misconduct, characterizing their behavior as an abuse of authority aimed at intimidating and illegally soliciting funds from a member of the public.

Strengthening community safety

It further expressed support to law enforcement agencies in the investigation that led to the arrest of suspects connected to the case.

The department urged the public to report incidents of corruption, extortion, or abuse of authority by law enforcement officials to the nearest police station.

Premier Panyaza Lesufi affirmed their commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct.

ALSO READ | Brave paramedics targeted in daring Evaton base robbery

“The Gauteng Traffic Wardens remain a critical intervention in strengthening community safety, visible policing, and law enforcement capacity across the province.”

“Such conduct must not be allowed as it tarnishes the reputation of the many dedicated and honest law enforcement officers who serve the people of Gauteng with commitment and dedication,” Lesufi added.

The premier emphasised the commitment to eliminating corruption within law enforcement agencies.