Compiled by Anita Dangazele
- A JMPD officer allegedly took R1.5 million in cash bribes in a single day, Premier Panyaza Lesufi revealed in a written parliamentary reply.
- 456 corruption complaints have been recorded across Gauteng’s four traffic and metro police departments since 2022.
A Johannesburg Metro Police Department officer allegedly took more than R1.5 million in cash bribes in a single day, according to information revealed in Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s written reply to Parliament.
The figure emerged in response to questions from DA MPL Sergio dos Santos about bribery across the province’s traffic and metro police services. JMPD’s own submission said 185 of its members were investigated for fraud and corruption by its Internal Affairs Unit between January 2022 and April 2026.
The department said it couldn’t give a total amount solicited across all cases, since some extortion and corruption attempts were never completed, but it did disclose the single biggest amount taken in one day.
“The highest amount that was taken on one day was R1.5 million Rand in cash,” JMPD said.
No further details were given on when this happened, how the money changed hands, or the outcome of any criminal case linked to it.
JMPD said 47 members were suspended or moved to other roles following bribery investigations, and 17 were dismissed, though it’s not yet clear how many face criminal charges.
Across all four departments, the DA says Lesufi’s reply shows 456 corruption complaints recorded since 2022. Tshwane Metro Police recorded 180 bribery and corruption cases, with 314 members investigated, 28 suspended, 17 dismissed and 148 facing criminal charges. Ekurhuleni Metro Police reported 81 complaints, with R54,250 allegedly solicited, of which R5,200 was recovered, 11 officials suspended, one dismissed and 19 criminally charged. Gauteng Traffic Police recorded just 10 complaints, including one officer allegedly soliciting R500 and another implicated in extorting R700, with eight officials facing criminal charges.
Pictured above: One JMPD officer allegedly pocketed R1.5 million in a single day.
Image source: Johannesburg Metro Police Department
