A video circulating on social media allegedly showed a SAPS member returning money linked to a suspected bribery incident. Image: SAPS
Bribe
1Min
South Africa
SAPS urges public to report bribery as Gauteng officer faces disciplinary action
Gauteng police have called on the public to report corruption and bribery involving officers after a video circulating on social media allegedly showed a SAPS member returning money linked to a suspected bribery incident.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has urged members of the public to report any incidents of bribery, corruption or extortion involving police officers, warning that both offering and accepting bribes are criminal offences.
This comes after a video circulated widely on social media, particularly on Facebook, allegedly showing a police officer in full uniform returning money to a member of the public following a suspected bribery incident.
In a statement on Saturday the SAPS said that the officer featured in the video has been identified and immediate disciplinary processes have been initiated. A departmental investigation has also been launched to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni condemned the alleged conduct, reiterating the police service's zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
"The South African Police Service will not tolerate corruption in any form. Members who abuse their authority, compromise their integrity, or betray the trust placed in them by the public will be dealt with decisively," said Mthombeni.
He added that all allegations of corruption would be thoroughly investigated and that disciplinary and criminal action would be taken where necessary.
SAPS said all members are expected to uphold the Constitution, the SAPS Code of Conduct and all applicable laws and policies, while carrying out their duties with integrity and professionalism.
The police service reminded the public not to offer bribes and encouraged anyone with information relating to corruption involving SAPS members to report it through the SAPS Anti-Corruption Hotline, the National Complaints Service Centre, Corruption Watch, Gauteng Service Complaints Standby, or the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
SAPS said it remains committed to rooting out corruption within its ranks and strengthening public trust through accountability and ethical policing.
