Limpopo traffic officer arrested for Lemon Twist and R600 bribe
A 35-year-old Limpopo Traffic officer has been arrested for accepting a R600 and six 2-litre Lemon Twist cold drink bribe along Matlala Road in Extension 76, Polokwane.
It is alleged that on Friday, 24 April 2026, at about 14:00, members of the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit were conducting their duties when they observed a government-issued white VW Polo with blue lights stopping a white truck loaded with cold drinks.
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The Police reportedly observed the truck driver approaching the state vehicle and allegedly handing over an undisclosed amount of money to the Traffic Police Officer seated inside the vehicle.
Shortly thereafter, the same driver was seen returning with six 2-litre Lemon Twist cold drinks, which were allegedly placed at the rear side of the official vehicle.
As members approached the scene, the Traffic Police Officer allegedly sped off after noticing that he had been observed. The Police pursued the vehicle and made several attempts to stop it, but the Traffic Police Officer allegedly refused to comply and continued driving at high speed.
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The officer was eventually intercepted at a traffic point in Westenburg with the assistance of senior traffic officers.
During a search of the vehicle, the police recovered six 2-litre Lemon Twist cold drinks and a cash amount of R600, which the Traffic Police officer allegedly failed to account for.
Following further questioning and after no reasonable explanation was provided, the suspect was arrested on a charge of corruption.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the arrest of the Traffic Police officer which is part of broader efforts to combat corruption within the ranks of law enforcement.
“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that all law enforcement officers soliciting bribes and engaging in unethical conduct are arrested and subjected to the Criminal Justice System,” said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Seshego Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
