Traffic Police

Chief Mashaba claims there is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to operations but does not clarify or identify any document governing searches by Traffic Police in 2021, and admits lack of knowledge on prescribed processes for opening containers and handling seals during searches.

“Well, I might not know that exactly. ... Because now there is MOU's signed with ... Hence I did not open. ...”

Assistant Director Maphosho confirms that there are cases where Traffic Police work with SAPS members, especially the Hawks, in operations, although he is unsure about their memorandum of understanding.

“we also have cases where people from the Traffic Police working with the SAPS members, especially the Hawks, do some operation.”

Lt-Col Sebola stated that criminal matters are investigated by police and not the traffic police, who have their own responsibilities and no criminal cases are referred to them for investigation.

“Criminal matters are investigated by the police . ... Unless , not the traffic officer , unless other investigative agencies have been mandated to do so , but not the traffic police , they have got their own responsibilities . No case will ever be referred to them , a criminal matter , for investigation . That is a big no .”

It is not standard operating procedure for Traffic Police to search and seize containers for drugs by calling random police or security personnel without proper authority.

“Traffic Police have authority to just call a random policeman and a random security guard to come and help them search the container? No ... that is not standard operating procedure”

Traffic Police's primary role is traffic enforcement, but they also have a duty and power to deal with crimes if they occur in the course of their duties.

“Traffic officers or people in the traffic law enforcement space, their functions include crime prevention ... if a crime happens, they have a duty to, or power to deal with that.”