The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng has initiated disciplinary proceedings against a police officer after a video circulating on social media allegedly showed the member returning R2,000 to a civilian following an alleged bribery incident.
The video, which has gained traction on platforms including Facebook, prompted an immediate response from SAPS management. Authorities confirmed that the officer featured in the footage has been identified and is now the subject of both an internal disciplinary process and a departmental investigation.
Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said the probe aims to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether criminal conduct occurred.
“The police officer featured in the video has been identified, and immediate disciplinary processes have been instituted. A departmental investigation has also been launched to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” Tintswalo said.
The development comes as the police service seeks to reinforce its stance against corruption within its ranks.
SAPS reiterated that the acceptance, solicitation or facilitation of a bribe is both a criminal offence and a serious breach of the organisation’s Code of Conduct.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni condemned the alleged conduct, warning that officers who abuse their positions of authority would face serious consequences.
“The South African Police Service will not tolerate corruption in any form. Members who abuse their authority, compromise their integrity, or betray the trust placed in them by the public will be dealt with decisively,” said Mthombeni.
“We are committed to ensuring that every allegation of corruption is thoroughly investigated and that appropriate disciplinary and criminal action is taken where warranted.”\
Mthombeni added that public confidence in policing depended on officers adhering to the highest ethical standards.
“Our communities deserve professional, ethical and accountable policing, and we remain steadfast in protecting the integrity of the organisation.”
SAPS said all members are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and professionalism in accordance with the Constitution, the SAPS Code of Conduct and all applicable laws and policies.
The police service also appealed to members of the public not to offer bribes and to report allegations of corruption, extortion or misconduct involving police officers through official reporting channels, including the SAPS Anti-Corruption Hotline and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
The outcome of the departmental investigation will determine whether further disciplinary or criminal action will be pursued against the officer.
The SAPS said it remains committed to rooting out corruption within its ranks and strengthening accountability to preserve public trust in law enforcement.
