SAPS warns of bogus cops
“We (SAPS members) do not identify ourselves with a police badge. I cannot emphasise this enough. All police officers are issued with appointment certificates in the form of an ID card. Only police officers in Hollywood movies flash police badges,” said Lt Col Roberts.
A number robberies by bogus police officers has raised concerns of safety on highways surround Edenvale.
Acting spokesperson for the Edenvale SAPS, Lieutenant Colonel Robbie Roberts, said several incidents were recently reported to the station.
“These criminals drive unmarked cars and are not dressed in police uniform, yet motorists continue to stop for them,” said Lt Col Roberts.
One of the modus operandi used by the bogus cops is to drive next to a motorist on the highway, flash a police badge and signal for the motorist to pull off the road.
“When the motorist stops, they are robbed at gunpoint by anything from two to four men,” said Lt Col Roberts.
He urged motorists to not stop for unmarked vehicles with occupants flashing a police badge.
“We (SAPS members) do not identify ourselves with a police badge. I cannot emphasise this enough. All police officers are issued with appointment certificates in the form of an ID card. Only police officers in Hollywood movies flash police badges,” said Lt Col Roberts.
“We do not live in a Hollywood movie,” he said.
Lt Col Roberts added that while motorists were willing to stop for unmarked vehicles, Edenvale officers were finding it increasingly hard to have motorists stop for marked police cars.
“We simply cannot understand this,” he said.
He urged motorists to report suspicious behaviour to the SAPS immediately.
“Do not become a victim of bogus cops. Always be alert and always be informed,” said Lt Col Roberts.
