VIRAL ‘BRIBERY’ VIDEO FORCES TSHWANE MAYOR TO DEFEND CITY POLICE OFFICERS!
Nasiphi Moya has come out strongly in defence of Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officers who were filmed during a “Re A Spana” crime prevention operation in Winterveld, saying the viral clip had been misinterpreted by social media users.
The operation, which began on 4 May as part of the City of Tshwane’s intensified crime-fighting campaign, sparked controversy after a short video circulated online appearing to show officers accepting money from a suspect. Social media commentators quickly accused the officers of taking a bribe from an alleged illegal immigrant.
Addressing the matter, Moya explained that the officers were conducting a lawful search and confiscation process during the arrest. According to the mayor, the suspect who recorded the video had already been detained as part of the operation.
“It contained Inspector Piet and a few others. They were part of the operation happening here in Winterveld as part of our Re A Spana campaign,” said Moya.
“Unfortunately, there is a video that was captured by one of the suspects, who was an illegal immigrant. As part of the arrest process, suspects need to be searched and hand over whatever is in their possession.”
Moya clarified that the money seen in the video was not a bribe, but cash confiscated from the suspect that had to be recorded and handed over at the police station as part of official procedures.
“So what the public saw being captured was the inspector confirming the amount of money confiscated from one of the suspects. That money is supposed to be handed over as part of the records when they are charged at the police station,” she explained.
Following the circulation of the video, Moya said the City immediately consulted both TMPD and Community Safety officials to establish the facts before responding publicly.
“We obviously, after seeing that video, consulted with TMPD and Community Safety to confirm exactly what happened. The facts have already been communicated via TMPD, but it was important that I be at the forefront of explaining what happened,” she said.
The mayor also criticised the rush to judgement on social media, warning that misleading clips could damage the reputation and morale of officers working tirelessly to fight crime in Tshwane communities.
“As we are fighting crime in Tshwane, we do not want to discourage our good officers who have been doing hard work on the ground. A 15-second video can ruin a colleague’s career,” she added.
TMPD officers have frequently faced allegations of corruption over the years, with some motorists accusing officers of soliciting bribes instead of issuing fines or making arrests. In some instances, officers have allegedly requested eWallet transfers or cashback payments from motorists.
Despite the public distrust surrounding corruption allegations within law enforcement, Moya maintained that in this particular incident, the officers followed the correct procedures during the operation.