HOLDING ONTO DRIVER’S LICENCE FOR A R1,500 BRIBE

Thabazimbi – The R510 between Sandfontein, Northam, and Thabazimbi has long been a crucial transport route. A driver regularly using this route shared an unsettling experience.

On Friday, 18 February 2025, he was stopped by a traffic officer while en route to Thabazimbi. According to the driver, the officer had an aggressive attitude and falsely claimed that the vehicle was overloaded. “Refusing to discuss the matter, the officer confiscated my driver’s licence and demanded a R1,500 bribe for its return”, the driver said.

The driver contacted his employer. Recognising the severity of the situation, the driver’s employer immediately contacted the police to report the extortion attempt. Reporting back to his employer on what happened next …… What happened next raises even greater concerns.

Shortly after the report was made, the same traffic officer returned, threw the driver’s license at him, and remarked with an air of arrogance, “I hear you want to get me arrested. Here is your driver’s license. Get out of here!” before driving off.

Who tipped off the corrupt officer?

The rapid change in the officer’s behaviour begs the question: How did he know that the police had been called? Is it standard procedure for corrupt officials to be warned about complaints against them? 

How deep does the corruption run?

Coincidentally — or perhaps not — the Thabazimbi Local Municipality issued a press release on 12 March 2025, announcing the temporary closure of the Thabazimbi Licensing Offices. The closure, which will last from Wednesday, 12 March to Monday, 17 March 2025, is due to an ongoing investigation by the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety. According to officials, this step is necessary to ensure a comprehensive review of the system and to uphold the integrity of services. 

Platinum Bushvelder reached out to the police for comment, who replied that they will look into the incident.

If you or someone you know has experienced a similar incident, we encourage you to come forward and report it. 

Main photo: According to the driver, the officer left in a rush after he was tipped off by someone.