Pretoria residents warned of bogus police

Lyttelton police have issued an alert about bogus police officers roaming around at night in Centurion and the east of Pretoria.

This comes after a couple was hijacked, kidnapped and robbed in the east of Pretoria on Friday evening, by three men posing as police officers.

The couple was driving on Delmas Road, near Rietvlei Nature Reserve, when a vehicle with flashing blue lights signalled them to stop.

After they stopped, the couple was forced out of their vehicle and into the suspects’ vehicle and were taken to an unknown house, where they were forced to transfer a large amount of cash, said police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubela.

“The couple was then taken back to their car unharmed.

“The suspects are still on the run.”

Speaking to Rekord on Tuesday, Lyttelton police spokesperson Captain Dave Miller said these sort of crimes were a cause for concern in the police department.

“We understand that it can be difficult to differentiate legitimate police officers from the fake ones when you are driving home at night.

“The best thing I can suggest is to always approach a roadblock with caution and if you feel unsafe, put your hazards on and drive to the nearest petrol station,” Miller said.

“If the cops are legitimate, they will acknowledge and follow you until you pull over at a public place like a garage.”

When driving at night, Miller advised motorists to have their cellphones next to them in the case if something happens.

“If you see a roadblock with police, call your close friend or send a live location to family or the CPF.”

The public should also understand that roadblocks and pulling over vehicles were a part of police job description, Miller said.

“If you happen to be driving a vehicle that is fitting the description of a hijacked or wanted car, understand police will pull you over.

“If the motorist refuses to stop, we will escalate our approach and also call for backup. That’s why we ask for calm from both sides (police and motorists),” he said.