Don’t pay that bribe to escape the traffic fine!
Studies on crime in South Africa revealed that corruption was most evident in encounters with traffic officials, followed by the police, and then during interactions with officials over employment opportunities.
Most of us have come across a traffic officer who appears overly friendly and will to accept a bribe if has not even initiated the idea himself. I believe all of us have heard stories of how a R500 fine was evaded by a friendly R200 “donation”. This is however not a mere excusable contribution towards the welfare of underpaid officials…
The effect of corruption is not only a loss of state revenue. When corrupt officials allow motorists who speed, or who are driving vehicles that are not roadworthy, to proceed with their journey, the consequences for other road users are potentially disastrous. A breakdown in public trust of the integrity of traffic officials is also likely to result in an increase in lawlessness among road users.
From a legal viewpoint it is very important for road users to recognize that it is not only the traffic official who is at fault. Corruption or bribery is described in legal terms as the practice of tendering [and accepting] a private advantage for the performance of a duty. Corruption not only is to be found in the actions of the official who asks for or receives the bribe or benefit – but also on the part of him who offers the bribe.
The Special Investigation Unit from the Department of Transport has recently started to clamp down on corrupt officials – and entrapment is one of the tools to the disposal of the Investigation Unit. Just as a traffic official can be caught through entrapment – so can an officer invite a bribe and the offering of a reward from a motorist will amount to corruption!
Next time you are approached with an offer for a bribe…. Think of a life in prison and the price you would rather pay for freedom!!
Visit the Arrive Alive Website for a detailed account on “Corruption, Traffic Enforcement and Road Safety”
Rubbish, entraping motorists is HARDLY going to help.
Metro cops do not have the trust of the community, having them ask for bribes … That’s just playing to the stereotypes … surely there are better options?
might not help that much – but might deter other motorists from supporting this illegal and corrupt practise. By paying a bribe we are facilitating and adding to further unlawfulness.
Remember that if a trap is being set , the conduct of requesting a bribe is not unlawful, as this is justified by the ground of justification of “official capacity”.
I am not asking for entrapment – but merely raising attention to the risk that you may be a participant in corruption. If you are caught speeding, learn from it, pay the fine and do not risk being caught up in a criminal investigation for a more serious offence than speeding!
Wow its good to hear this kind of approach in JAIl..I think our country officials should also follow the same thing.