SAPS officers praised for refusing ‘large bribe’ from cigarette smugglers

Regardless of your views on the lockdown cigarette ban, the rule of law must prevail. Thanks to some honest and honorable police work in Lenasia, three foreign nationals were shut down by SAPS when they tried to bribe their way out of trouble.

SAPS officers refuse R30 000 bribe

Following a tip-off, members of the Soweto Flying Squad dashed to the location and clocked eyes on some very suspicious activity. Large boxes were being transported by a group of males. When confronted, it was revealed that a huge smuggling operation was underway.

Boxes of cigarettes – enough to fill up the back of a police van – were discovered at the premises. It was an open and shut case for SAPS, but one of the crooks went for a last-minute “Hail Mary”. They offered their arresting officers R30 000 in cash to drop the case. Admirably, the cops stood firm, and decided to add a charge of bribery to the growing list of crimes instead.

“Don’t tell the bribe” – cops praised by politicians

Although this is the integrity we expect to see from our policemen and women, it’s worth acknowledging decent behaviour when we see it. In these trying times, R30 000 is a lot of money to look the other way. As stated by Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Faith Mazibuko, it’s a case of “well done SAPS” for bringing these criminals to justice:

“On Saturday, at about 14:30, members of Soweto Flying Squad received information of three foreign nationals selling cigarettes at Lenasia. They saw two males entering the building with boxes. The two were questioned and confirmed to have bought the cigarettes.”

“On further investigations members found more boxes in the premises. The three foreign nationals were placed under arrest. All the cigarette boxes were confiscated to be booked. One of them will be charged with bribery, he was offering R30 000 to the police.”

Faith Mazibuko

3. The three foreign nationals were placed under arrest. All the cigarette boxes were confiscated to be booked.

One of them will be charged with bribery, he was offering R30 000 to the police.

Well done SAPS 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/lEx0d3dokH

— MEC Faith Mazibuko (@FaithMazibukoSA) May 2, 2020