The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has firmly denied allegations made by the Democratic Alliance (DA) that its officers are being pressured to meet daily fine quotas, calling the claims “unfounded” and a misrepresentation of their mandate to enforce traffic laws and ensure road safety.
The controversy erupted following a statement issued by DA Gauteng Community Safety Spokesperson, Michael Sun MPL, who accused the JMPD of turning law enforcement into a revenue-generation scheme by allegedly instructing officers to issue traffic fines amounting to R7 000 per officer per day.
“Motorists in Johannesburg are facing increased victimisation due to political interference in JMPD operations. Officers have reliably informed us they’re under pressure to collect fines daily. This effectively transforms law enforcement into a commission-based revenue system, undermining public safety and trust,” said Sun.
Sun further alleged that JMPD is conducting aggressive and unlawful roadside checks disguised as roadblocks, particularly at high-traffic intersections. He claimed many of these operations do not meet the legal criteria set by the National Road Traffic Act and SAPS Standing Orders.
“These legally indefensible roadside checks exist solely to extract revenue from struggling motorists. The DA has submitted formal questions to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi demanding clarity on these directives and accountability for misuse of public resources,” Sun added.
In response, JMPD Spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla rejected the claims, stating that while issuing citations is part of an officer’s duties, there are no quotas imposed on officers.
Fihla said: “Our enforcement operations are aimed at maintaining safety and order on the city’s roads. Officers issue citations to correct unlawful behaviour and promote responsible driving but not to meet a specific target. There is no quota system. Officer performance is measured by their overall effectiveness in creating safer roads, not by the number of fines issued.”
Fihla stressed that the JMPD prioritises lawful and ethical operations. “The integrity of our operations is paramount and all enforcement actions are carried out strictly in accordance with the law,” he said.
As the standoff continues, the DA has called on Premier Lesufi to intervene, abolish any alleged revenue-based policing practices and ensure all traffic enforcement aligns with national legislation. The debate has sparked concern among Johannesburg residents, many of whom face increasing financial pressures and say they feel unfairly targeted by law enforcement. While the JMPD maintains it is acting within legal boundaries, the DA insists a deeper investigation is needed. All eyes are now on the Gauteng Premier’s office, as pressure mounts for a clear response and concrete action.
Image cred: JMPD
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