Three hurrahs for uncorrupted cops

In the midst of South Africa’s seemingly ever-growing corruption culture, its refreshing to stumble across a beacon of hope every now and again. Last week the Johannesburg Metro Police Department held a gala dinner to award outstanding performance by its officers. Nominees were chosen by their peers and were assessed by the number of alcohol screenings they conducted during the year. Screening included breathalyser tests administered by the officer and collection of blood samples.

The prizes, which were sponsored by Diageo South Africa – ironically a maker of spirits – as part of their Drive

Dry campaign, included a brand new Volkswagen Polo Vivo for first place and R15 000 and R5 000 for the second and third places respectively.

Superintendent Phineas Manyama from Martindale Station had the rare privilege to drive off in the Polo Vivo, while Phumzile Mkhwanazi from the Roodepoort Station was first runner-up and and Mmanoko Teffo from the Alexandra Marlboro Station second runner-up.

According to the Metro Police Manyama was recognised for a variety of successes including management of traffic flow during the eight-month closure of the M2 bridge.

It speaks volumes of these officers’ commitment to be nominated on the number of alcohol screenings they have conducted. The general feeling among members of the public is that all Metro cops are corrupt and cases like these will go a long way towards changing their perceptions.

And spare a thought for these officiers, because dealing with drunk drivers is obviously a lot more stressful than dealing with sober people. And the stakes are probably also a lot higher when it comes to drunken drivers offering bribes a opposed to someone who is busted for something which will only warrant a fine of a few hundred rand. When you buy your way out of a breathalyser test, you get to sidestep possible arrest and appearing in front of a judge who’ll hand out a huge fine and possible jail time.

I know we shouldn’t praise a fish for swimming, but a traffic officer upholding the law in this country is doing more than his job. He or she is also probably resisting to the temptation of a lot of easy cash. And that is exactly what makes the incentive of winning a new car so great.

We can only wish that more Metro cops are inspired by this drive and work out for themselves that a new Polo Vivo is worth a lot more money than taking a few thousand rand under the table every month. And it is much more honourable too.

Take a bow Officer Manyama. PS. Enjoy those new wheels.