The Gauteng Department of Community Safety has condemned the alleged unlawful conduct of two Gauteng Traffic Wardens who were arrested in Benoni on allegations of extortion and corruption involving a foreign national domestic worker.
According to the department, the two wardens were arrested on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, after allegedly abandoning their official duties and extorting money from a member of the public.
Initial reports indicate that the wardens had been deployed to conduct visible foot patrols at a school in Benoni but allegedly left their designated post and travelled around the area in a private vehicle fitted with false number plates.
While driving through Benoni, the officials allegedly stopped a domestic worker and requested to inspect her documentation after discovering she was a foreign national. Authorities say the wardens then demanded money from the woman to avoid arresting her. Approximately R4 000 was allegedly taken from the victim.
The domestic worker subsequently reported the incident to her employer, who accompanied her to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Benoni to open a criminal case. The vehicle allegedly used by the suspects was circulated on the SAPS database as a vehicle of interest and was later intercepted in the Benoni central business district.
The Department of Community Safety described the allegations as a serious abuse of authority and said such conduct undermines public trust in law enforcement institutions.
“The Department views this as serious unlawful conduct and abuse of authority by the two officials to intimidate and unlawfully solicit money from a member of the public,” the statement said.
The department confirmed that an internal investigation is underway and welcomed the swift response by SAPS and other law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the provincial government remains committed to maintaining high standards of professionalism and accountability within its law enforcement structures.
“We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct. The Gauteng Traffic Wardens remain a critical intervention in strengthening community safety, visible policing, and law enforcement capacity across the province,” Lesufi said.
He added that corrupt conduct by law enforcement officials damages the reputation of officers who serve communities with integrity.
“Such conduct must not be allowed as it tarnishes the reputation of the many dedicated and honest law enforcement officers who serve the people of Gauteng with commitment and dedication. We will continue to root out corrupt elements within law enforcement agencies,” Lesufi said.
The Department of Community Safety has urged members of the public to report incidents of corruption, extortion or abuse of authority involving law enforcement officials to their nearest police station.
