PROJECT: CORRUPTION CRISIS IN THE JOHANNESBURG METRO POLICE DEPARTMENT (JMPD)
- isabels39
- Jul 25
- 6 min read
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When Protectors Prey -
A Crisis in Uniform.
A dangerous trend is taking root across Johannesburg — one that poses a direct threat to the rule of law, public safety,
and the fragile trust between citizens and law enforcement. The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD),
a unit created to uphold traffic laws and maintain order, is being increasingly exposed not as a force of protection,
but one of exploitation.
Corruption within the JMPD is no longer just an accusation whispered among motorists - it is an open secret.
Roadblocks have become revenue streams. Traffic stops are extortion traps.
And the uniform that once symbolised authority now too often represents fear.
A PATTERN OF ABUSE:
The arrest of two JMPD officers on 21 July 2025, for allegedly extorting R8,000 from a motorist in Parktown, is just the tip of the iceberg.
These officers reportedly demanded money in exchange for not arresting the driver - a tactic many South Africans are all too familiar with.
In this case, the victim spoke out and the arrests followed.
This is not an isolated event.
Over the past decade, multiple reports, investigations, and exposés have highlighted a pervasive pattern of misconduct within the JMPD:
2018 – The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) probed multiple allegations against JMPD officers accused of soliciting bribes from foreign nationals during stop-and-search operations.
2020 – A whistleblower leaked bodycam footage showing JMPD officers accepting cash at illegal roadblocks in Soweto and Alexandra. No disciplinary action was taken.
2023 – Corruption Watch reported a spike in complaints from motorists being pulled over without cause and coerced into paying on-the-spot "fines" — essentially roadside muggings in uniform.
2024 – Several metro police officers were caught colluding with vehicle licensing syndicates, allowing unroadworthy or stolen cars to bypass the system.
2025 - Eyewitness News reported that two JMPD officers were arrested after allegedly demanding a bribe from a motorist. The officers reportedly threatened the individual with arrest unless they handed over R8,000 in cash. This incident, while shocking, is tragically not unique. Across Johannesburg, motorists routinely share stories of being harassed, intimidated, or coerced into paying bribes at roadblocks and routine traffic stops.
Each of these cases reflects not just individual misconduct, but a culture of impunity — where corruption is normalised and whistleblowers are often ignored or punished.
These abuses often go unreported — victims fear retaliation, or they feel reporting won’t make a difference.
Every act of extortion chips away at the credibility of the JMPD and the principle of equal justice under the law.
A NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT:
PUBLIC DISTRUST:
Every incident of extortion further erodes public trust.
When citizens no longer believe the police serve them, they stop reporting crimes, stop cooperating with investigations, and turn to private security or vigilantism.
ROAD SAFETY JEOPARDISED:
Officers taking bribes to ignore violations allow drunk drivers, unlicensed operators, and unroadworthy vehicles to remain on the roads — putting innocent lives in danger.
ORGANISED CRIME LINKS:
In some cases, corrupt officers do not just take bribes — they actively collude with syndicates, protecting illegal taxi operators, drug dealers, and smuggling rings.
BREAKDOWN OF LAW AND ORDER:
When law enforcers become lawbreakers, the concept of justice itself begins to unravel.
It sets a dangerous precedent for other public institutions and emboldens criminal elements.
WHAT STEPS TO TAKE IF INTIMIDATED OR BRIBED BY JMPD OFFICERS:
STAY CALM AND COMPOSED:
If you are stopped, remain polite and ask for the officer’s name and badge number.
You are legally entitled to this information.
RECORD THE ENCOUNTER:
South African law allows citizens to record police interactions, provided it does not interfere with their duties.
Use your phone discreetly or place it on your dashboard.
NEVER PAY A BRIBE:
It is tempting to "make it go away," but paying bribes fuels the system.
Ask for a written fine or insist on going to the nearest police station.
REPORT THE INCIDENT IMMEDIATELY:
JMPD Internal Affairs: 0800 203 712
IPID (Independent Police Investigative Directorate): 012 399 0000/report@ipid.gov.za
Corruption Watch: SMS 45142 or visit www.corruptionwatch.org.za
Keep all evidence, including video, audio, names, locations, and badge numbers.
SEEK LEGAL HELP:
NGOs like ProBono.org, Lawyers for Human Rights, and Section27 offer support to victims of police abuse and corruption.
THE DANGER FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT ITSELF:
Unchecked corruption does not only harm the public — it threatens the legitimacy of policing itself.
Honest officers are demoralised, internal discipline collapses, and criminals learn that police can be bought.
Soon, citizens see no distinction between cops and crooks.
The JMPD, if not urgently reformed, risks becoming indistinguishable from the very lawlessness it was created to combat.
THE WAY FORWARD: REFORM, OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY
MANDATORY BODY-WORN CAMERAS:
Cameras must be switched on during all interactions and reviewed by independent watchdogs.
CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT BOARDS:
Establish empowered review boards with access to internal files, disciplinary records, and the ability to subpoena officers.
ROUTINE AUDITS AND INTEGRITY TESTS:
Surprise inspections and sting operations must become the norm — not the exception.
PUBLIC TRANSPARANCY:
The JMPD must publish regular corruption statistics, disciplinary outcomes, and misconduct reports.
When the line between enforcer and exploiter blurs, a society begins to decay from within.
Corruption in the JMPD is more than criminal — it is a betrayal of public trust, a threat to national safety,
and an insult to every honest officer who serves with dignity.
South Africans are not powerless.
By speaking out, recording abuse, demanding transparency,
and refusing to participate in corruption, citizens can make a difference.
EXPOSE. REPORT. REFORM.
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