The White River police in Mpumalanga are investigating a case of armed robbery by three suspects dressed as traffic officers on the R40 on Tuesday.

The incident occurred at the Msholozi turn-off at around 12:15. Police spokesperson, Constable Funeka Mathebula, said the two victims of the robbery had been driving a work vehicle transporting money on the R40 towards the Msholozi turn-off and got to a stop sign.

She said as the two men reached it, the driver realised there were no other cars in the vicinity and went through without stopping.

“Just after jumping the stop street, three traffic officers in full uniform wearing masks pulled the man over,” said Mathebula.

She said the two victims were told to park in front of the three officers’ white Polo TSI.

“One of the traffic officers asked for a driver’s licence while the two searched the vehicle with their firearms pointed at the victims.

“They demanded wallets and cellphones from the two men. They also took the two money bags that were inside the vehicle,” said Mathebula.

“A traffic officer slapped the driver and told him to lie face down and not look at him.”

She said the fake officers drove off in the Polo with all the stolen items. The car did not have a licence plate.