No more tjo-tjo
Victory for our campaign
Our anti-bribery campaign made a breakthrough in October 2012 when the City of Joburg introduced its anti-corruption plan, tailored according to Corruption Watch’s recommendations. This could not have been achieved without the collective efforts of the public, who reported their experiences to us. Now let’s see how these promises are turned into meaningful action!
Timeline of events
The No more tjo-tjo campaign kicked off in April 2012 – trace the drama and highlights in our easy-to-follow timeline and infographic.
What the public reported to us
Since its launch Corruption Watch has received an overwhelming number of reports of bribery and corruption on the roads. Here are some examples of cases sent to us.
Your rights- printable card
If stopped by the police you can ask to see the officer’s appointment card, which includes the officer’s picture, name, rank, force and station according to Section 334 (2) (a) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977. Click below for your full list of rights when stopped on the road by a law enforcement official.
Cops who beat hawkers ID'd, but still at work
Corruption Watch is taking this matter very seriously. We've spoken to hawker Andries Ndlovu, the JMPD, and the mayor's office. We've now got feedback from the City of Johannesburg too. We've got the assault case number and will follow it up with the police. We will not rest until justice is served. It's vital the four officers are “not merely disciplined, but charged and jailed”, says Corruption Watch head David Lewis.
Bribe hotspots: is anyone getting convicted?
In a media survey that asked how many South Africans had bribed a metro officer over a three-month period, thousands of respondents admitted guilt – but who is more guilty: the cop or the person paying the bribe? And have any of these officers been caught and convicted?
Easy-to-follow guide on JMPD corruption stats
Take a look at our latest infographic with figures supplied to us by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department.
Unofficial ‘road tax’ eats into everyone’s pocket
On top of looming e-tolls and rapidly increasing petrol prices, South Africans are deeply affected by the “unofficial road tax” that is tjo-tjo.
Corruption Watch responds to JMPD official's arrest
Corruption Watch finds it commendable that the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) is proving it can act tough on corruption, but a more systemic response to corruption is urgently needed.
City of Joburg acts swiftly on JMPD corruption
The City of Johannesburg Public Safety Department applauses the Johannesburg Metro Police Department's (JMPD) Internal Affairs Unit for conducting a swift arrest of a JMPD officer who allegedly solicited a R1 000 bribe from a motorist.
City of Joburg welcomes report
The City has responded to Corruption Watch's report into corruption in its metro police unit, saying it takes the issues raised very seriously.
JMPD tjo-tjo in numbers
Full report on corruption in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department too long to read? See the highlights in this easy-to-follow infographic.
Corruption Watch calls for ‘no more tjo-tjo’
Launching its campaign on 23 April 2012, Corruption Watch revealed that in 2010 one in four Johannesburg drivers was asked for a bribe by the metro’s traffic officers – a total of 150 000 drivers during a single year. The figures come from a Statistics SA 2010 survey.
The cop, the taxi driver and the fight for survival
The sheer volume of minibuses on Johannesburg roads makes taxi drivers regular bribe targets. Comparing their pay with that of metro police prompts the question of whether salaries affect the bribe drive.
The full report
This report into corruption within the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department exposes the extent of traffic police abuse of power on the roads, highlights the weaknesses within the department and explains disciplinary processes in place.
Report summary
The purpose of the report summary is to identify the systemic weaknesses and stresses that have caused an important law enforcement agency, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, to become synonymous with corruption.
Press release
Corruption Watch is calling on the City of Johannesburg to “get real” and recognise the high extent of traffic cop bribery on the roads.
Corruption stats from Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department
The numbers of actual cases brought against JMPD officials and levels of disciplinary action are alarmingly low, making this an area of grave concern – not only for SA's leaders, but for every driver and passenger on the road. These are the final set of figures that the JMPD has shared with Corruption Watch.
Bribes, breasts and Beemers- are they linked?
Is it the car or the gender that has both the Johannesburg Metro Police Department and SAPS stopping this woman monthly – or are there more factors at play?
Joburg's youth open up about bribery on the roads
Breaking the rules of the road is a criminal offence – but so is soliciting a bribe and paying one to a public official, instead of letting the law take its course. Corruption Watch went about the streets asking youngsters at university for their thoughts on this.