Johannesburg Motorists Warned of “ATM Roadblocks” Amid Allegations of JMPD Pressure

Johannesburg Motorists Warned of “ATM Roadblocks”

Johannesburg drivers are again at the centre of a heated debate after allegations emerged that the city’s Metropolitan Police officers are being pressured to turn motorists into walking ATMs.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) of setting daily traffic fine targets, claiming officers are expected to collect at least R7 000 per day from motorists at roadblocks. According to Michael Sun, DA spokesperson for community safety, the practice prioritises revenue collection over traffic safety, crime prevention, or proper law enforcement.

“At the beginning of August, I raised concerns about JMPD roadblocks being set up solely to collect traffic fines,” Sun said. “We’re seeing them citywide, day and night, while payment platforms warn motorists of phishing scams impersonating traffic fines.”

Quotas or Law Enforcement?

The JMPD, however, strongly denies any quotas. Spokesperson Xolani Fihla told The Citizen that officers’ primary role is to maintain road safety and lawfulness.

“Issuing citations is part of correcting unsafe behaviour and fostering responsibility among drivers. There is no quota system,” Fihla said. “Our officers’ performance is measured by overall safety impact, not by predetermined fine targets.”

Despite this, public skepticism remains. Many motorists have shared experiences on social media claiming roadblocks feel like traps designed more to raise revenue than prevent accidents, a sentiment that has only amplified frustrations about government inefficiency and perceived corruption in enforcement practices.

Online Scams Compound the Problem

Adding to motorists’ woes, online payment platforms have warned about phishing scams targeting traffic fines. Fraudsters are sending fake fine notifications, mimicking official systems, and tempting drivers to pay via illegitimate links.

Sun urges caution:

“Do not click on any suspicious links. Pay fines only through verified official channels to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.”

Platforms like PayCity have confirmed the rise of such scams, highlighting the risk to unsuspecting drivers who are eager to settle fines quickly.

While the JMPD insists its operations aim to safeguard motorists, the perception of revenue-driven enforcement continues to erode public trust. For Johannesburg drivers, vigilance is key, not just on the road, but online, where fake fines threaten both wallets and peace of mind.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com