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Everyone is aware that bribery is crippling our transport sector (except for Transport Minister Dipou Peters and her department who appear to be unaware of this, otherwise why would nothing be done about it?). What is even more concerning is the fact that it is now not even done quietly or behind closed doors. An incident that took place over the festive season is a perfect example of this. There was total chaos at a roadblock in the Matoks area in Limpopo after two officials shot each other whilst arguing over bribe money they had agreed to share!

This shooting took place after an overloaded bus heading for Zimbabwe was stopped. Two officials demanded R2000,00 in bribe money so that a bus carrying too many passengers and cargo would be allowed to proceed. When only R1800,00 could be collected by the bus driver and passengers, some of whom did not have the required documentation, an altercation broke out between the two officials right in front of the bus driver and passenger. According to media reports, the disagreement was about how the R1800,00 would be divided between the officials.

We are now at a stage where bribery is no longer done in the shadows but in broad daylight. Why is this the case? Because one sees daily how bribery is becoming more and more acceptable and almost a way of life.

This example demonstrates that some roadblocks are not places of law and order but rather of lawlessness where the rule of law is violated and actually discouraged.

I will be submitting official questions to the Minister about this incident and what is being done to prevent future bribery. To date, Minister Peters has been paying lip-service on this issue but has done nothing to resolve criminal activities such as these. Thanks for nothing, Minister!

Issued by DA