Motorists could become targets of aggressive revenue collection operations by JMPD, says DA
The DA in Gauteng has accused the City of Johannesburg of using Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers to collect revenue for the struggling municipality.
The party says it has been reliably informed that JMPD officers have been told to collect R7000 in fines daily.
The officers also have the option of working overtime to help them reach the target.
Each officer expected to collect R7k daily
DA MPL Michael Sun told The Citizen that the municipality is pushing its rate collection responsibilities to JMPD officers.
'Officers have reliably informed us that they are under pressure to each collect at least R7 000 in traffic fines daily.
'This effectively turns law enforcement into a revenue-generating system rather than a public safety service,' Sun said.
How are motorists affected?
Sun said this policy puts motorists in a position where they can easily become targets for officers under pressure to meet their targets.
'This pushes JMPD officers to aggressively pursue fines instead of focusing on their duties, such as bylaw enforcement, traffic management, and crime prevention.
'While disturbing, these revelations coincide with the common sight in Johannesburg, where the JMPD is increasingly engaging in indiscriminate and excessive roadblocks, particularly at high-traffic intersections, not to ensure road safety or enforce the law but to maximise fine collection,' he said.
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Questions raised about some JMPD operations
Sun said some operations that JMPD embarks on are non-compliant with the National Road Traffic Act and the South African Police Service Standing Orders.
'By reclassifying illegal roadblocks as 'roadside checks', JMPD evades crucial legal requirements, including proper authorisation by a senior officer, clear signage, adequate warning to motorists, among others.
'These legally indefensible roadside checks exist solely to extract revenue from struggling motorists, many of whom are already facing economic hardship,' he said.
Sun said the new targets that have been given to officers do not contribute to regulating traffic flow, reducing accidents, or ensuring public safety.
'Instead, they foster abuse, selective enforcement, and an erosion of public trust. A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would put an end to revenue-based policing targets, restoring integrity to JMPD operations.'
The Citizen reached out to JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla for comment.
'Your enquiry has been noted. I will revert back to you as soon as possible,' he said.
The Citizen also contacted the City of Johannesburg's group communications for comment.
This comes after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana also expressed concern with the state of the metro's finances.
This article will be updated once the City of Joburg responds to the allegations made by the DA.
According to The Sunday Times, Godongwana has given the city a few days to come up with a strategy to curb wasteful expenditure or face intervention from national government.
The City of Johannesburg has a budget of about R89 billion but has been struggling to collect rates over the years.
NOW READ: 'Barrelling towards collapse': Concerns mount as Godongwana gives Morero deadline to fix Joburg's finances
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