A Zimbabwean tanker driver and his employer appeared in court for attempting to bribe police after failing to register diesel at the Middleburg Toll Plaza in Mpumalanga.
Around 3:45 on Monday, January 16, 2023, the driver was apprehended during a stop-and-frisk operation.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the motorist was arrested for allegedly possessing stolen property and failing to report importable items (diesel).
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According to police spokesman Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, members of the Middleburg Flying Squad stopped the diesel-laden tanker at the Middleburg Toll Plaza.
The police subsequently demanded verification for the shipment, but were allegedly provided documents indicating that the driver had already delivered the shipment to Johannesburg on January 11, 2023.
Mohlala stated that foul play was suspected, prompting authorities to transport the driver, tanker, and cargo to the police station for further investigation.
“While police were still investigating, the 44-year-old owner of the tanker came at the police station. “He offered an undisclosed sum of money in exchange for the release of his tanker and its cargo,” he explained.
According to reports, the owner of the tanker left the police station and returned shortly later with cash in an attempt to bribe the officers. Immediately, he was detained on suspicion of bribery.
On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, the two appeared before the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on the aforementioned allegations.
The Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Dahney Manamela, lauded the members’ effort against corruption and crime.
»Tanker driver caught with stolen diesel, and his boss was arrested for bribery«