Weigh Bridge Scale Master to Appear in Court for Corruption

  A 48-year-old weigh bridge scale master is scheduled to appear before the Belfast Magistrates Court on Monday, 9 September 2024, following his arrest on Saturday, 7 September 2024, for contravening Section 10(a) of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12.

The arrest took place at approximately 07:50 at the Wonderfontein weigh bridge. According to reports, a truck driver travelling along the N4 between Belfast and the Wonderfontein weigh bridge was instructed by a traffic officer in full uniform to proceed to the weigh bridge. The officer followed the driver to the site.

Upon weighing the truck, the scale master informed the driver that the vehicle was overloaded by 7 tons. The traffic officer then left the scene. The scale master allegedly demanded a R6,000 bribe to avoid arresting the driver for the overload.

The driver contacted the truck owner, who subsequently transferred R5,000 into the driver’s FNB account. The driver was instructed to show the scale master proof of the transfer. The scale master directed the driver to withdraw R3,000 at a nearby Puma garage, demanding an additional R1,000 that the driver had on hand. The driver complied, providing a total of R4,000 in cash and was also instructed to transfer R2,500 via EFT.

The truck owner reported the incident to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), which then informed the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team based in Middelburg.

The investigation team, including personnel from Middelburg and Secunda, responded to the Wonderfontein weigh bridge. Upon arrival, they interviewed and searched the scale master, discovering R1,500 in his possession. The scale master also revealed an additional R2,500 hidden under bricks. The recovered money was matched with photographs taken by the truck driver, confirming the amounts.

A total of R6,490 was recovered during the investigation.