The Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Upington has found two municipal traffic officers guilty of corruption after evidence showed they demanded money and other benefits from motorists while carrying out traffic duties in February 2023.
The Northern Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said the accused were Robert Khupe, 50, and Arthur Tywili, 43. Both were employed by the Dawid Kruiper Municipality at the time of the incidents.
How the incidents unfolded
The court heard that on 15 February 2023, Khupe stopped a motorist driving his employer’s truck for allegedly doing 60km/h in a 40km/h zone and noted defective trailer lights. The prescribed fine for the offences amounted to R1 125, according to Senokoatsane.
“When Complainant 1 indicated that he was uncertain how to proceed, Khupe allegedly demanded R200 in cash, indicating that the matter would then ‘go away’.”
Senokoatsane said the driver’s identity document and licence were retained by the officer, and no fine or summons was issued. The following day the driver and his employer reported the matter to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation — commonly known as the Hawks — which led to an authorised entrapment operation on 17 February 2023.
During that operation, Hawks personnel used marked cash to apprehend one of the officers. The court ultimately convicted Khupe on two counts of corruption by a public officer for accepting a benefit, while Tywili was convicted on one count.
Court findings and charges
The convictions relate to separate episodes during which the officers are alleged to have sought or accepted money and benefits from motorists in exchange for failing to perform their duties. The NPA statement did not provide details of sentencing or the outcome for both men beyond the convictions.
| Officer | Age | Conviction |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Khupe | 50 | Two counts of corruption by a public officer (accepting a benefit) |
| Arthur Tywili | 43 | One count of corruption by a public officer (accepting a benefit) |
What this means locally
The convictions underline ongoing concerns about integrity among municipal traffic personnel in the Northern Cape. Road users and employers may face direct financial and administrative consequences when officials do not follow formal procedures such as issuing fines, summonses or documenting offences.
- If you believe you have been solicited for a bribe by a traffic official, you can report the incident to the Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) or your nearest SAPS station so that an authorised investigation can be opened.
- Keep evidence where possible: photographs, video, witness contact details, and any proof of offered or exchanged cash can assist investigators.
- Request that an official issue the appropriate fine or summons on the spot; insist on an incident number or written record when reporting later.
Entrapment operations using marked cash are a recognised investigative method in corruption probes and were decisive in this matter, the NPA statement said. The convictions were secured after evidence was presented to the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Upington.
Municipal oversight and accountability remain key concerns for residents of small towns and rural areas who rely on traffic officials to enforce road safety equitably. The case emphasises the need for transparent procedures and accessible complaint channels when public officials are accused of misconduct.
The NPA spokesperson provided the details of the matter in a public statement; further particulars about sentencing were not included in that statement.
