RTMC Welcomes Sentencing of Former TMPD Officer in Traffic Bribery Case

According to the RTMC, the undercover operation was carried out in 2018 and focused specifically on exposing corruption involving traffic and metro police officers.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has welcomed the sentencing of former Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officer Mashudu Ernest Mukwevho for soliciting and accepting bribes from motorists, describing the case as an important step in combating corruption within traffic law enforcement.

Mukwevho was convicted on 10 March 2026 following a long-running investigation stemming from an undercover anti-corruption operation conducted jointly by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.

Undercover Operation Targeted Corrupt Officers

According to the RTMC, the undercover operation was carried out in 2018 and focused specifically on exposing corruption involving traffic and metro police officers.

The operation uncovered multiple incidents in which officers allegedly solicited and accepted bribes from motorists during traffic enforcement activities.

"The undercover operation successfully exposed several incidents where metro police officers solicited and accepted bribes from motorists," the RTMC said in a statement issued on Monday.

The corporation said the operation formed part of broader efforts to strengthen integrity and accountability within road traffic law enforcement.

RTMC Provided Operational Support

The RTMC confirmed that its National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit played a significant role in the investigation by providing operational support and technical resources.

Support provided during the operation included:

• Undercover agents

• Audio recording equipment

• Visual surveillance equipment

• Bait vehicles used during investigations

Officials said the coordinated effort between NTACU and the Hawks helped gather evidence leading to successful prosecution.

Former Officer Receives Suspended Sentence

Following his conviction, Mukwevho was sentenced to four years' imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years.

The suspension is conditional on him not being convicted of a similar offence during the suspension period.

The sentence means the former officer will avoid immediate imprisonment provided he does not commit another comparable offence within the next five years.

RTMC Says Corruption Undermines Public Trust

The RTMC stressed that corruption among traffic and law enforcement officials has serious consequences for public safety and institutional credibility.

"Corruption by traffic and law enforcement officials undermines public trust, compromises road safety enforcement and weakens the rule of law," the corporation stated.

Officials warned that bribery and abuse of authority within traffic enforcement environments weaken efforts to maintain road safety compliance and fair policing standards.

The RTMC said public confidence in law enforcement depends on ensuring that officers act lawfully and ethically.

Anti-Corruption Efforts to Continue

The corporation reaffirmed its commitment to combating corruption within traffic law enforcement agencies across South Africa.

"The RTMC remains committed to rooting out corruption within the traffic law enforcement environment and ensuring that officers who abuse their authority are brought to book," the statement said.

The National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit continues to work with law enforcement agencies to identify, investigate, and prosecute corrupt officials involved in bribery, extortion, and abuse of public office.

Traffic Corruption Remains Ongoing Concern

Corruption involving traffic officers has long been a concern in South Africa, particularly regarding roadside bribery and unlawful conduct during traffic enforcement operations.

Authorities say such practices:

• Undermine law enforcement credibility

• Encourage non-compliance with traffic laws

• Compromise road safety initiatives

• Erode public confidence in institutions

The RTMC has intensified anti-corruption campaigns in recent years through undercover operations, whistleblower mechanisms, and inter-agency investigations.

Joint Operations Seen as Key Enforcement Tool

Officials say cooperation between specialised anti-corruption units and agencies such as the Hawks remains critical in tackling corruption within public institutions.

The successful prosecution of Mukwevho is being viewed as part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability within municipal and traffic policing structures.

The RTMC encouraged members of the public to report incidents involving bribery or corruption by traffic officials to relevant authorities.