August 19, 2016
DAKAR (AFP) - A Senegalese woman who secretly filmed a police officer demanding a bribe has been fined for corruption in a case that has sparked controversy in the west African nation.
Police taking bribes from motorists is not uncommon in Senegal, but footage of the officer blatantly demanding money -- caught on the woman's smartphone camera and posted online -- has garnered particular attention.
The policeman in question was fined the same amount as the motorist and received a two-month suspended sentence on Thursday, according to a defence lawyer. The woman also received a one-month suspended sentence.
The video shows the police officer demanding about $10 from two female motorists for an unspecified infraction. The women haggle and eventually end up paying the officer half that.
After receiving the money, the policeman eats the ticket he had written for the women.
The second woman in the car had been abroad at the time of the arrests but has now been placed in detention and is set to be brought before a judge.
