A Johannesburg Metro Police Department officer allegedly took R1.5 million in cash in a single day, according to information disclosed in a written reply by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
The claim emerged from responses on corruption, fraud, extortion and theft involving the province’s traffic and metro police services.
The reply followed questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature by DA MPL Sergio dos Santos.
Hundreds of cases investigated
JMPD said 185 members were investigated for fraud and corruption between January 2022 and April 2026.
The department said it could not determine the total value of alleged corruption because some attempts were not completed.
However, it stated that the highest amount allegedly taken in a single day was R1.5 million in cash.
No further details were provided about when the incident happened, who allegedly paid the money or whether criminal charges followed.
JMPD said 47 members were suspended or moved to other duties, while 17 were dismissed.
Complaints span four agencies
According to the DA, 456 complaints were recorded across JMPD, Tshwane Metro Police, Ekurhuleni Metro Police and Gauteng Traffic Police between 2022 and 2026.
TMPD recorded 180 bribery and corruption cases and said 314 members had been identified and investigated.
It reported 28 suspensions, 17 dismissals and 148 criminal charges.
EMPD reported 81 complaints, with R54,250 allegedly solicited and R5,200 recovered.
The Gauteng Traffic Police recorded 10 cases, with eight officials criminally charged.
DA calls for tougher action
DA Gauteng spokesperson for Community Safety Michael Sun said the figures showed serious problems within law enforcement.
He argued that the number of formally reported cases may not reflect the full scale of corruption.
The official responses also listed anti-corruption measures already in use.
JMPD said it runs awareness campaigns, while TMPD conducts unannounced integrity checks and undercover operations.
Lesufi’s reply also said the Gauteng Traffic Police had allocated 1,000 body cameras and fitted 700 vehicles with dashboard cameras.
The DA is calling for mandatory body cameras, lifestyle audits, asset disclosures and stronger independent oversight.