The South African Police Service has confirmed that disciplinary action has been initiated against Constable Hlongwane and other officers implicated in an alleged R2,000 bribery incident that recently went viral on social media.
The development follows the circulation of a Facebook video showing a police officer in full SAPS uniform allegedly returning money to a member of the public after being confronted over claims of bribery.
In a statement, SAPS said the officer featured in the video has been positively identified and that immediate disciplinary processes have been instituted. A departmental investigation has also been launched to establish the full facts surrounding the incident.
The video, recorded by a member of the public in Diepsloot, sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns about corruption within law enforcement. The footage allegedly showed officers being confronted over claims that one of them had accepted a R2,000 bribe.
SAPS reiterated that it maintains a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, stressing that the acceptance, solicitation or facilitation of a bribe is both a criminal offence and a serious breach of the SAPS Code of Conduct.
The police service further emphasised that all members are expected to uphold the Constitution, act with integrity and professionalism, and comply with all legislative and policy requirements governing their conduct.
Authorities have encouraged members of the public not to offer bribes and to report any incidents of corruption, extortion or misconduct involving police officers through official reporting channels, including SAPS, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate and anti-corruption hotlines.
SAPS says it remains committed to rooting out corruption within its ranks and restoring public confidence in policing.
