As we wrap up our three-part series on how the Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) is faring in its anti-corruption drive, we have turned the focus to you, our public, to gauge sentiments and assess trends – at a quick glance, the response has been mixed.
Quick recap:
- Part 1: Anti-graft plan working, says JMPD
- Part 2: JMPD bribe hotspots revealed
In analysing complaints sent to the JMPD internal affairs unit and Corruption Watch, there does seem to have been a shift since the anti-corruption campaign launch in October 2012, and numbers of bribe reports have dropped markedly. Check our list of specific bribe spots, according to the individuals who have reported to us, to see if your area is a tjo-tjo trap!
When we interviewed motorists at a road block in the south of Joburg last month, the general consensus echoed what the numbers told us and we got the sense that cops are cleaning up their act, however, when we cast our net on social media, the response was quite different.
Roadblock responses
Marcel Kenny, a university student, told us: “Corruption in the JMPD is decreasing even though the country has been going through a recession. Officers have become vigilant on the road and I have not been asked to pay a bribe in a long time.”
Tattoo artist Kuben Naidoo said: “I don’t get stopped often by the JMPD, maybe once or twice a year, but my recent encounters with the metro cops have been good, and the corruption problem is improving.”
However, SAPS reservist Vivian Carelse disagreed: “Corruption is not only getting worse in the JMPD, but in other police departments and the government as well. The other day I went to go renew my licence and they wanted a bribe, so corruption is all over.”
Thoughts on Twitter
When we asked our Twitter followers whether they believed that corruption in the JMPD was easing, the responses were less encouraging than those shared at the roadblock:
John de Melo tweeted: “No way! I think it has gotten worse! It’s all about KFC now … bribes to buy KFC lunches!”
Royal First Lady added: “For me, it works … for what I have seen in the past and now, it’s better”
Thapelo Chuene tweeted: “No ways, just last week my brother was escorted to the ATM to withdraw R50.”
Katia Pisapia said: “No ways it’s a disease and there is no cure. Sad but it is the way it is. Money talks.”
Katlego Madisha didn’t mince his words when he tweeted: “No No No”.
Have you experienced tjo-tjo activity somewhere in the city recently? Send us the exact location so we can add it to our growing list of hotspots! You can also SMS the word BRIBE to 45142, click here or call (011) 447 1472.
