Cops hunt impersonators

The resurgence of hijackings and armed robberies on the N12 highway, between the Putfontein and Atlas roads off-ramps, has prompted the Benoni Police Station’s Vispol unit to step up patrols on this stretch of road.

Regular stop-and-search operations at key points form part of the continuing operations.

According to Col Khumbulani Ndaba, Vispol commander, they have been receiving reports of motorists being stopped and hijacked by uniformed officers.

“Our information indicates that suspects patrol the highway in cloned SAPS vehicles and pursue vehicles that form part of the syndicate’s ‘shopping list’ which include vehicles that will be sold locally or smuggled across the border,” said Ndaba.

“It is particularly troubling that these criminals have been able to clone official police vehicles and that these culprits have SAPS uniforms.

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“We have roped in members of multidisciplinary units to assist us with our operations. Our objective is to apprehend these highway robbers and will stop at nothing until we succeed.”

He further said despite information stating that the vehicles used in these crimes appear to be from SAPS, that the criminals’ vehicles have been cloned and do not form part of the police’s fleet.

He continued saying that although vehicle trouble is unpredictable, police caution motorists to not pull over. Where possible, contact roadside assistance as quickly as possible, while remaining inside the vehicle.

“Opportunistic criminals are roaming along the highways robbing motorists in distress at gunpoint,” said Ndaba.

“We hope a greater police presence in the area will bring these criminals to book.”

Capt Nomsa Sekele, spokesperson for the Benoni SAPS stated that officers intending to stop motorists have been briefed to follow these steps should the driver not deem it safe to stop next to the side of the road.

• Acknowledge the police request to stop by switching on your vehicle’s hazard lights.

• Decrease your speed.

• Put your hand out of the window and indicate that the police vehicle must follow.

• Once at a nearby filling station, park next to the pumps. Sekele explains that all filling stations have CCTV cameras at the pumps. This footage could be used as evidence, should the need for it arises.

• Remain in your vehicle. Also, remain calm and avoid any sudden movements. “Remember our officers are also on heightened alert as they do not know who they may encounter in the vehicle,” said Sekele.

• Officers must present their appointment card which contains a photo of the member, as well as their force and ID number.

• Be cooperative at all times.

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