A woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, claims she was targeted by a man posing as a police officer following the theft of her gate motor on September 11. The man reportedly called her at around 13:00 on Sunday, identifying himself as the investigating officer and providing her with the case number.

According to the complainant, the caller knew her full name and stated that the stolen gate motor had been recovered and that a suspect had been arrested. He then requested the serial number of her gate motor, which she provided, and offered to deliver it to her home for a fee of R1 500. When she refused to pay, the caller hung up.

Police confirm no fees required
Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, provincial media spokesperson, clarified that no one is required to pay to have a case investigated or to recover stolen property, “By paying, it implies that a person is participating in bribery and corrupt activities,” he said. He made it clear that even after property is recovered after being stolen, there is no money required from the complainant.

He urged victims who encounter such demands to lay formal charges immediately so that the perpetrator(s) can be prosecuted.

Access to case information
Mdhluli confirmed that only police members have access to case details, except when complainants themselves share information. “However, if certain members of the SAPS violate the Code of Conduct by sharing any information or details of a case without any authorisation, the matter should immediately be reported so that it can be investigated.”

Whether the caller was a police officer or an impersonator will be determined through a formal investigation, once the complaint is officially lodged. The complainant has been advised to report the matter either to the Station Commander of Middelburg or the District Commissioner of Nkangala.

Warning
Mdhluli warned the public to be vigilant. He stated that no official may request payment for recovered property, and victims should report suspicious calls immediately.