By Baraka John
A dispute has emerged between traffic police authorities and commercial motorcyclists in Western Equatoria State, with both sides trading accusations of bribery and extortion during roadside operations.
The Directorate of Traffic Police has blamed some motorcyclists for fueling corruption by offering bribes to officers when caught operating without valid documents.
In an interview with King Media on Tuesday, the Director of Traffic Police, Canal Santo Arkangelo Ginana, said many riders attempt to avoid formal penalties by paying money directly to officers instead of following legal procedures.
“Whenever a motorcycle is found operating illegally, some owners choose to bribe officers because they fear the fines charged at the traffic police office,” Ginana said. “After paying, the same individuals go on to accuse officers of extortion. We must ask whether officers are forcing them to give that money.”
Ginana emphasized that such practices make both motorists and officers responsible for corruption. He urged riders to comply with traffic regulations and resolve their cases through official channels rather than informal payments.
However, he acknowledged that some traffic officers have also been involved in misconduct, particularly in situations where riders suggest paying money to avoid having their motorcycles impounded.
Meanwhile, several commercial motorcyclists in Yambio have accused traffic officers of harassment and unjustified demands for money, even when their documents are in order.
One rider, Gaaniko Daniel, claimed that officers sometimes impound motorcycles without properly verifying documents.
“They stop you and don’t check your papers properly. Even if your documents are valid, they take the motorcycle to the station. After verification, they still ask you to pay for a new receipt before releasing it,” he said.
Another rider, William Paite, echoed similar concerns, alleging that some officers create unnecessary faults to justify collecting money.
“I have a logbook and number plate, but they still charge me, saying my motorcycle lacks a mirror,” he said. “What they are doing is not mainly about safety; they keep extorting money from motorists.”
The conflicting claims from both authorities and riders highlight growing concerns over corruption and the need for transparent and fair enforcement of traffic regulations in Western Equatoria State.