[imagesource: Twitter / @Abramjee]

In South Africa, the question isn’t to bribe or not to bribe.

It’s simply a matter of how much.

Ask for a few too many randelas and you might just cause a protest, as was the case last week in Mpumalanga when driving school owners pushed back against traffic officials who allegedly planned to increase their bribery fees from R1 700 to R2 000.

In Jozi, according to a video picked up by TimesLIVE, R1 800 appears to be the sweet spot.

The Johannesburg metro police department (JMPD) says it is investigating the video but the case is not cut and dry:

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the circumstances under which the money was received are not yet known.

He called on the unidentified motorist who recorded the video to come forward.

“From the video footage, the officer is seen taking the money, but it is not known under which circumstances the money was received,” said Fihla.

Come now, Mr Fihla – every South African has a good idea of what’s going on here:

Video as received: This needs an investigation. @TMPDSafety @JoburgMPD @David_S_Tembe @GTP_Traffstats @TrafficRTMC pic.twitter.com/c5JKkjFc7d

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) November 7, 2022

The department says an investigation has been launched by the internal affairs unit, although the person who filmed the video could provide “a better context of the incident” so that further action can be taken.

One day you’ll tell your grandkids you used to bribe an officer with two buffalos and a Steri Stumpie and they’ll think you’ve lost your marbles.

Ah, the good ‘ol days, hey?

[source:timeslive]