A Gauteng police constable has been placed under immediate disciplinary investigation after a video surfaced online showing her allegedly accepting a R2,000 bribe and then returning the cash when confronted by a member of the public on 6 June 2026. The footage has drawn sharp condemnation from provincial police officials, who have reaffirmed the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) stated zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
Disciplinary Measures And Official Response
The video, widely circulated on social media, depicts an unidentified man addressing the uniformed officer, stating, “This lady over here took R2,000 from a guy that works for me, can I get my money back please? Can I get my money back, please, or I’ll put you on Facebook.” The officer is seen handing back the cash and apologising, replying simply, “I’m sorry.”
SAPS spokesperson Colonel Dimakato Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the officer in the video has been identified. “The police officer featured in the video has been identified, and immediate disciplinary processes have been instituted,” Colonel Nevhuhulwi said in a statement on 7 June 2026.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni condemned the alleged conduct, stating, “The South African Police Service will not tolerate corruption in any form. Members who abuse their authority, compromise their integrity, or betray the trust placed in them by the public will be dealt with decisively.”
Broader Concerns Over Police Integrity
The incident once again highlights the ongoing challenge of corruption within SAPS, an issue that has drawn scrutiny from the public and watchdog bodies. Video evidence and whistleblower accounts have played an increasingly important role in bringing such behaviour to light. SAPS leaders regularly call for public cooperation, and the police have reiterated appeals for any allegations of corruption or extortion to be reported through official channels.
Past cases of similar misconduct suggest that the problem is systemic rather than isolated. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index and SAPS’s own data reflect persistent challenges in maintaining police integrity across the country. Restoring and protecting public trust will require both strong internal accountability and continued external pressure from communities and civil society groups.
The disciplinary proceedings against the Gauteng officer are ongoing, with SAPS expected to provide further updates once internal processes conclude.