The City of Cape Town faces mounting criticism and allegations of improper conduct by a traffic officer following the arrest of a woman driver last month. The incident, which occurred on October 24, 2025, has drawn scrutiny from civil society, with claims that the officer attempted to extort the motorist.
According to details from a recent televised discussion, a warrant for the woman’s arrest was executed during a traffic stop. The driver, identified only as Miss Nongo, claimed she was mistreated and has alleged that the situation appeared to be an attempt to secure a bribe.
Wayne Duvenage, CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), provided clear commentary on the legal framework surrounding such stops. He emphasized that motorists are under no obligation to pay traffic fines at a roadblock. Arrest, he stated, is only permissible if a verified warrant of arrest is presented, typically issued after a person has ignored a court summons for prior offences.
“You cannot be arrested at a roadblock for unpaid traffic fines and you certainly do not have to pay your traffic fines at a roadblock,” Duvenage stated categorically.
He explained that while criminal offences like driving under the influence can lead to an arrest at the scene, standard administrative infringements do not carry the same immediate penalty. The procedure requires a court summons first; an arrest warrant follows only if that summons is disregarded.
Regarding the specific case involving Miss Nongo, Duvenage was direct. “This sounds to us like a case of extortion or an attempt to get a bribe from her,” he said. He advised motorists to remain courteous, ask for the officer’s identification, request details of any alleged fines, and firmly explain their rights without escalating into an argument.
Duvenage also highlighted a broader issue, stating there is “so much extortion and bribery going on,” and lamented that many South African drivers are not fully aware of their rights at roadblocks. He urged the public to educate themselves using resources available on civic organisation websites, including OUTA’s, to avoid falling victim to similar traps.
The City of Cape Town has yet to issue a formal public statement addressing the specific allegations made by Miss Nongo or the comments by OUTA’s CEO. The incident has sparked a renewed public debate about law enforcement conduct, the rights of motorists, and the potential for corruption during routine traffic stops.