YOU MAY SHARE THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT
Bribery is a serious issue in South Africa, undermining trust in public institutions and contributing to systemic corruption.
If you find yourself being asked for a bribe by a government official, it is essential to know your rights
and the steps you can take to handle the situation ethically and lawfully.
Bribery refers to the act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value (such as money, gifts, services, or favours) with the intention of influencing the actions of an individual, typically a public official or someone in a position of power, to act in a way that benefits the person offering the bribe or to avoid a negative consequence.
Bribery can take place in various settings, such as:
Public Sector: Public officials or government employees may be offered bribes to perform, delay, or avoid certain actions in their official duties (e.g., awarding contracts, granting permits, or making regulatory decisions).
Private Sector: Employees or representatives of private companies may accept or offer bribes to influence business decisions, such as securing contracts, access to information, or favourable treatment.
The South African legal framework defines bribery broadly under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA).
Key aspects of bribery include:
Active Bribery: The act of offering or giving a bribe to another individual.
Passive Bribery: The act of accepting or soliciting a bribe, usually by a person in a position of authority.
Bribery can be directed towards anyone in a position of trust, such as:
Government officials (police officers, judges, civil servants)
Corporate executives or employees
Political leaders or public representatives
Bribery is considered a corrupt activity in South Africa, and both the giver and the receiver of a bribe can face serious criminal charges and penalties under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.
STEPS TO TAKE WHEN ASKED FOR A BRIBE:
DO NOT PAY THE BRIBE:
Paying a bribe is illegal and perpetuates the cycle of corruption.
It can have serious legal consequences for both you and the official involved.
REPORT THE INCIDENT:
South Africa has organisations dedicated to combating corruption.
Report the incident to:
South African Police Service (SAPS): Call 08600 10111 or visit your nearest police station.
Public Protector: The Public Protector’s office investigates improper conduct in state affairs.
Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID): For cases involving police misconduct.
Corruption Watch: An independent civil society organisation focusing on exposing and ending corruption.
GATHER EVIDENCE:
If possible, document the interaction. This could include:
Taking notes of the time, date, and location.
Recording conversations (if legally permissible).
Identifying witnesses who can corroborate your account.
SEEK LEGAL ADVICE:
Consult a lawyer experienced in corruption cases to understand your legal options and rights.
They can guide you through the reporting process and ensure your protection.
PROTECT YOURSELF:
Take necessary precautions to avoid retaliation.
This could include staying anonymous when reporting the incident or involving organisations that can provide security advice.
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO REPORT BRIBERY:
Bribery undermines fairness, transparency, and trust in public systems.
Refusing to pay and reporting incidents contributes to:
Strengthening the rule of law.
Exposing corrupt officials and holding them accountable.
Encouraging systemic reforms to prevent future corruption.
HOW TO REFUSE A BRIBE SAFELY:
BE FIRM BUT POLITE:
Calmly decline the request, making it clear that you will not engage in illegal activity.
AVOID CONFRONTATION:
Keep the interaction professional and avoid escalating tensions.
DOCUMENT THE INTERACTION:
As soon as possible, record the details of the bribe request to ensure accuracy when reporting.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO COMBAT CORRUPTION:
National Anti-Corruption Hotline (NACH): 0800 701 701
Ethics Institute: Provides guidance on ethical decision-making and supports anti-corruption initiatives.
South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC): Assists with cases involving human rights violations tied to corruption.
LEGAL REPERCUSSIONS:
Bribery is a serious offence with significant legal repercussions under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA), which was enacted to combat corruption in both the public and private sectors. Here are the key legal consequences of bribery:
CRIMINAL CHARGES:
Both giving and receiving bribes are criminal offences.
A person who bribes another person or receives a bribe can be charged with corruption.
PENALTIES:
Imprisonment: A person found guilty of bribery can face up to 15 years in prison.
Fines: In addition to imprisonment, the court may impose a fine, especially in cases involving large sums of money or particularly damaging corruption.
FORFEITURE OF ASSETS:
In some cases, the court may order the forfeiture of any proceeds obtained through bribery, meaning the individual may lose assets gained through corrupt practices.
DISQUALIFICATION:
Public officials convicted of bribery may be disqualified from holding public office for a specified period, potentially for life in severe cases.
ADDITIONAL CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES:
Apart from criminal penalties, individuals or companies found involved in bribery may face civil or administrative penalties, including being barred from participating in government contracts or procurement processes.
LEGAL ACTIONS AGAINST CORPORATIONS:
Companies involved in bribery can face severe sanctions, including substantial fines and being blacklisted from doing business with government entities.
Refusing to pay a bribe is not just about abiding by the law;
it is about standing up for justice and integrity.
By reporting bribery, you are contributing to a culture of accountability and
helping to create a fairer, more transparent society.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.
2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:
3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.
4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.
POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv
SSS TASK TEAM:
Copyright © 2015- PRESENT | Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services | All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services
PO Box 15075 Lynn East
Pretoria, Gauteng 0039
South Africa
Add us to your address book
THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT WAS INTENDED TO BE SHARED, PLEASE DO SO.
Comments