Interpol Ambassador Slams EMPD Bribery Scandal, Calls It “Organised Crime”
Viable News Team 
Image Credit: IOL / Screengrab
A traffic officer from the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) is under investigation after being filmed demanding a bribe from a motorist — an act condemned by renowned security strategist and retired Interpol ambassador Andy Mashaile as “purely criminal” and reflective of deeper corruption within law enforcement.
“Instant Suspension, Arrest, Dismissal”
Mashaile told IOL that the officer’s behaviour shows clear criminal intent and should result in swift consequences.
“In this case, consequences management would mean instant suspension from work. Secondly, there must be a criminal case opened against this officer. Thirdly, this officer must be arrested. Lastly, this officer deserves to be dismissed on the spot if there is to be seriousness in combating corrupt activities within law enforcement agencies,” he said.
Mashaile further questioned why the supervisor in charge of the police operation failed to intervene, suggesting accountability should extend beyond the individual officer.
Organised Crime in Uniform
The strategist went on to describe the officer’s conduct as part of a wider “organised crime syndicate pretending to be law enforcement agents.”
“Clearly that officer is a bully on the road. That is the kind of officers we do not want on our roads. When one encounters bullies like him, we must use law enforcement to bully him within the legal confines — through arrest,” he added.
The Bribery Incident
According to the motorist, he and his wife were stopped on Albertina Sisulu Road after returning from Johannesburg’s CBD. The officer inspected the vehicle and claimed there was oil in the engine, before demanding that the driver “pay tax” to be released.
The officer allegedly withheld the motorist’s documents for 15 minutes before the driver recorded himself handing over R50 as evidence.
City of Ekurhuleni Responds
City spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe confirmed that the City had launched an internal investigation after receiving the footage.
“The City has noted with concern the footage circulating online allegedly showing an EMPD officer accepting a bribe from a motorist. The City condemns any form of corruption and misconduct by its officials in the strongest terms,” Mbengashe said.
The matter has been referred to Internal Audit for investigation, with both disciplinary and legal action expected.
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