Traffic officer in court for alleged corruption

Durban - A 33-year-old traffic officer, who was arrested and charged with corruption on July 3 after allegedly soliciting money from a truck driver at the Melmoth Weighbridge, will be back in court on July 13.

KwaZulu-Natal police said in a statement that a truck was impounded by the traffic officers for not being roadworthy. The brakes were found to be faulty after the vehicle was inspected.

"The truck was impounded at the traffic department's premises after the officer allegedly demanded an amount of R2 500 in order to release it," spokesperson Thulani Zwane said on Tuesday.

"The driver of the truck informed his boss about the demand made by the officer for the truck to be released. The Hawks Anti-Corruption Unit intervened shortly after.

Zwane said a sting operation led to the arrest of one suspect. He appeared in the Melmoth Magistrate's Court on Monday, and the case was postponed until July 13 for a bail application.

Police investigations continue and more arrests are expected.