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Police bribes, often referred to as “gratuity”, can sometimes characterise a smooth transition from one destination to the next, especially for those crossing South Africa's borders to spend time with their families this festive season.
Zimbabwean hawker Kevin Murai said that he intends to visit his native Bulawayo towards the end of this month. He has hired a bakkie to take the items with him that his mother and wife at home need.
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“I saved up money throughout the year and bought some furniture to take home for Christmas, but the challenge is now getting proper transport to travel with my items. Unfortunately, I cannot afford to hire a truck, so the only option I have is to get a bakkie,” Murai said.
He says that the festive season is busiest time for his line of work:
“I cannot afford to take some this time off during this time of the year, as I make more money than in any other period. I think Joburg is busy because a lot of people are buying stuff and getting ready to visit their homes,” he said.
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He shared why he feels compelled to go back home to spend the first few weeks of the new year with family
However, travellers visiting places within the confines of South Africa paint a picture of travelling with relative ease. Frequent long-distance taxi driver Sipho Mthethwa shared that the festive period was not a time for home visits because he regularly visits the township of Umlazi in Durban, where he grew up, throughout the year.
He said:
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The father of four highlights that typical days during the festive season entail at least two journeys from Johannesburg to Durban with a minimum two days rest after completing his shift.
He said:
However, two Johannesburg Metro Police Department officers told City Press that bribes are initiated by drivers and foreign travellers who have invalid travel documents.
One of the officers said:
The officers asked not to be named because they were not authorised to speak to the media.
Another officer dispelled the notion that they were only after money as opposed to enforcing the rules of the road: “The police officers always have the needs of the country in mind whenever they perform their duties. We do not need money from civilians because we are employed by the state and it is the one that pays our salaries. Commuters and drivers should obey the rules of the road and make sure that they are travelling with roadworthy and licensed vehicles.”
