LIMPOPO — Two provincial traffic inspectors have been commended after they refused a R100 000 cash offer and made a further arrest following the interception of a vehicle carrying medicines without the required pharmaceutical licence, the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety reported.
Stop-and-check in Masisi leads to arrests
According to the department, Inspectors Khubana and Nwendamutswu were conducting a routine stop-and-check in the Masisi area of Vhembe District when they intercepted a vehicle with four occupants — two Zimbabwean nationals and two South African citizens. The group was allegedly transporting pharmaceutical products without the necessary licence or certificate.
The occupants were handed over to Malamulele police, where a case of illegal transport of medicine was opened, the department said. An additional charge of bribery was recorded after an offer of R100 000 was allegedly made to the officers in exchange for the group's release.
Officials commend refusal and promise recognition
MEC for Transport and Community Safety Nakedi Kekana praised the inspectors’ decision and said she would engage the provincial commissioner about awarding formal recognition. In a statement reproduced by provincial spokespeople, Kekana said:
“These officers are a shining example of what it means to serve with loyalty and integrity. They chose the people of Limpopo over personal enrichment.”
The department reported that the inspectors refused the cash and proceeded with the arrest, adding a charge of bribery to the case docket at Malamulele police station. Further investigative steps and prosecutions will be handled by SAPS, the department said.
Why the matter matters to communities
Illegal transport and trade in pharmaceuticals can carry risks for public health — medicines moved without proper licensing may be substandard, improperly stored, or otherwise unsafe. The department’s account did not specify the type or quantity of medicines found in the vehicle.
Residents in Vhembe and surrounding areas often rely on formal and informal supply chains for essential medication. The interception highlights law enforcement’s role in protecting the public from potentially unsafe products, while the bribery allegation underscores ongoing concerns about corruption that can compromise enforcement.
Practical information for the public
- If you suspect illegal distribution of medicines, report details to your nearest police station or to the provincial department’s hotline, the department advised.
- Always seek medication through licensed pharmacies and registered health facilities to reduce health risks.
- Community members who witness bribery attempts are encouraged to report incidents to SAPS or to the provincial anti-corruption channels.
Provincial spokespeople said they would work with the provincial commissioner to ensure the inspectors receive recognition for their conduct. No further names or operational details were released by the department about the ongoing inquiry, and the matter remains under investigation at Malamulele police station, the department confirmed.
| Detail | Information reported |
|---|---|
| Location of stop | Masisi, Vhembe District |
| People arrested | 4 occupants (2 Zimbabwean nationals, 2 South Africans) |
| Charges | Transporting medicine without licence; alleged bribery |
| Arresting officers | Inspectors Khubana and Nwendamutswu |
The department’s account was supplied to media outlets as part of routine reporting on provincial law-enforcement activity. Further details about the identities of the arrested persons, the nature of the pharmaceuticals or any court proceedings were not provided at the time of the department’s statement, the report said.
For communities in Limpopo, the incident is a reminder of the importance of reporting irregular activity and of the role of public servants who uphold their duties under pressure. The provincial government indicated it would consider formal recognition for the two inspectors after engagement with the provincial police leadership.
