By localnew 
R50 Bribe Backfires: Mpumalanga Traffic Cop Gets Five-Year Suspended Sentence for ‘Cold Drink’ Request
A Mpumalanga traffic officer has learned a costly lesson after demanding a R50 bribe, commonly referred to as a “cold drink,” from a motorist — who turned out to be an undercover police agent.
The officer, Thembisile Yende, appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court, where he received a five-year prison sentence, wholly suspended, meaning he will not go to jail unless he commits a similar offence during the suspension period.
According to the Hawks, Yende stopped the motorist during a routine operation and requested R50 to “let him go.” Unbeknownst to him, the driver was part of an undercover anti-corruption operation targeting bribery on the roads.
Authorities say the case highlights the zero-tolerance approach to corruption, even for seemingly “small” amounts. The Hawks praised the conviction, saying it sends a clear message to officials who abuse their positions for personal gain.
The suspended sentence allows Yende to remain out of prison, but his conviction now forms part of a criminal record — a mark that could impact future employment in law enforcement.