Five arrested in Gauteng for impersonating police, SANDF
The group were part of five people who were arrested in Gauteng for impersonating police officers, soldiers and emergency service employees.
Three people were arrested in Soshanvuve North of Pretoria for impersonating police officers as well as common robbery on Wednesday.
“Police received information about two women wearing police uniforms and a man who committed a common robbery,” said Police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo.
“A lookout for the suspects was conducted. A vehicle matching the description was spotted and stopped in Soshanguve.”
Masondo said upon questioning the occupants, it was established that one female was a former police reservist while the other female and male were just members of the community.
He said inside the vehicle they found police uniforms, an unwritten police docket as well as trays of eggs and chickens.
“The suspects were charged with impersonating police officers, possession of suspected stolen property and common robbery.”
The group were part of five people who were arrested for impersonating police officers, a soldier and emergency service employee in Gauteng.
In another incident a 25-year-old man was arrested in Heidelberg for impersonating a member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and for being in possession of stolen property after he was found walking in the CBD wearing a full SANDF uniform.
Masondo said the incident took place on Saturday.
“Members of the community found it unusual when they saw the man with dreadlocks in full army uniform walking along Voortrekker Street and they alerted the police,” he said.
“Upon interviewing the man, police established that he is not a member of SANDF. He was arrested and charged.”
On Sunday a 40-year-old man was arrested in Johannesburg after he was found driving a vehicle fitted with red lights and a siren.
“When stopped, the suspect could not produce proof that he is an emergency service employee,” Masondo said.
“As police were searching the car, they found an unlicensed firearm with ammunition as well as traffic cones belonging to the SAPS.”
The man was arrested for impersonating an emergency service employee, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, and possession of the suspected stolen property.
Masondo said investigations were underway to establish how the arrested people got uniforms and property that belonged to the police and the army.
“Further charges may be added to all the suspects, pending the investigation.”
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela applauded the police and community for acting with diligence to intercept the suspects.
“It is a very serious offence to impersonate a law enforcement officer. These suspects deserve a hefty sentence that will send a strong message to other criminals who tarnish the names of the hard-working law enforcers and emergency service employees,” he said.
The group will appear in the magistrates’ courts in due course.
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