A man is expected to appear in court soon after trying to bribe a police officer. The 37-year-old had allegedly tried to give the officer R2 000 to release his vehicle, which was seized a couple of months ago.

A man is expected to appear in court soon after trying to bribe a police officer

According to Western Cape SAPS, the black Mercedes-Benz Vito was seized in a theft case in July. It is currently being kept in the SAPS Vehicle Safeguarding Section in Stellenbosch. It is alleged that a foreign national had tried to bribe an officer to have the vehicle released from the storage facility.

An undercover operation was conducted

Lieutenant Colonel Frederick C. van Wyk says the foreign national was arrested during an operation at a petrol station in Philadelphia on Friday. This follows after the officer had told his station commander that he was offered R2000 to have the vehicle released. An undercover operation was conducted which led to the arrest. The suspect’s cellular telephone was also seized.

Officer commended for reporting the case

Meanwhile, the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sizakhele Dyantyi, has commended the member for reporting the case. He has emphasised the arrest of the individual attempting to corrupt the police officer. The Commissioner says the arrest sends a resounding message to potential suspects that there is no place for corruption within SAPS’ ranks. The man is expected to appear in the Atlantis Magistrates Court.