3 police impersonators caught during Pretoria robbery

Three police impersonators, allegedly involved in an attempted robbery near the Route 21 office park in Irene, Pretoria, yesterday, were arrested by Lyttelton police late the same afternoon.

An article by Pretoria Rekord states that according to local police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk, officers from the Lyttelton SAPS undercover unit were patrolling a crime hotspot area when they noticed a white Toyota Corolla with three men inside.

“One of the suspects was searching a person standing on the roadside,” says Van Dyk.

He adds that officers quickly identified the incident as a potential robbery in progress.

“In a tactical response, one officer exited the police vehicle and approached the suspects.”

Van Dyk says police swiftly surrounded the suspects, who were still attempting to rob the victim of money and a cellphone.

After securing the suspects, officers conducted a thorough search of the vehicle while awaiting back-up from additional SAPS members.

“A private security company also arrived on the scene to assist in the operation.”

During the search, officers uncovered several items, including fake cellphones, envelopes, cash, and the victim’s cellphone.

“There were multiple cellphones hidden in the vehicle that the suspects could not account for.”

Van Dyk adds that preliminary investigations revealed that at least one of the suspects had a prior arrest in the Lyttelton area for a similar crime.

“Detective services will be linking these suspects with a number of similar cases that have been reported recently.”

The management of the Lyttelton SAPS expressed gratitude towards the officers involved in the arrests.

“We have loyal and dedicated members who are willing to put their lives on the line to save yours.”