Kabelo Masoabi
TWO traffic officers from the Roads Directorate, Moahloli Maphea and Tšepiso Lephatsa, have appeared before the Leribe Magistrate’s Court facing corruption charges stemming from a Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) investigation.
The officers are accused of soliciting a bribe of M400 from a motorist, Lehlohonolo Motlokoa of Hleoheng, after arresting him during Easter 2024 at a roadblock in ’Mpharane, Maputsoe. They allegedly accused Motlokoa of producing a suspicious Code 14 driving licence and questioned whether he was old enough to legally hold such a licence.
Motlokoa told the court that he initially paid M100 after being arrested, and was later taken to the officers’ office at Sekaleng Ha Nyenye, where his employer allegedly added M300, bringing the total to M400.
However, the officers allegedly demanded M2000 in total and only released him and the vehicle after he promised to pay the outstanding balance. The vehicle had reportedly been impounded for displaying a temporary permit despite registration plates being available.
Crown Attorney, Mojalefa Shakhane, argued that the officers abused their authority to solicit a bribe, describing their conduct as “a clear case of corruption”. He said the DCEO later set up an entrapment operation, but it failed after the officers became suspicious when Motlokoa attempted to hand over the controlled money.
In Defence, Advocate Sengoai disputed the allegations, insisting the charges were based solely on Motlokoa’s word. He argued that there was no evidence linking the officers to the money allegedly paid.
“Motlokoa only said he placed the money on a table and could not identify who took it. The prosecution has failed beyond reasonable doubt to establish a prima facie case against the accused,” Sengoai said.
Magistrate Rantja postponed the matter to 12 December 2025 for continuation of trial.