Three suspects were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport earlier today (July 15) after they allegedly impersonated security officers and attempted to scam a tourist.

According to the Kempton Express the suspects – two men and a woman aged between 37 and 48 – were cornered and handcuffed by Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) airport units at around 10:20.

According to EMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Kelebogile Thepa, officers were conducting routine patrols near the Engen Sky Stop garage when a distressed tourist approached them to report an ongoing scam.

It is alleged that the suspects had cornered the traveller, identified themselves as official security personnel, and demanded payment simply for using the garage’s toilet facilities.

Spotting the approaching metro police officers, the syndicate fled the scene in a silver Suzuki Ciaz driven by the female suspect. However, their escape was short-lived as alert officers immediately pursued the sedan and managed to intercept and stop it a short distance away.

Arsenal of fraudulent equipment

A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered an arsenal of fraudulent equipment allegedly used to pull off the syndicate’s scams, and police confirmed that all three suspects subsequently admitted to their involvement.

Among the seized items booked into the SAPS evidence register were two two-way radios, two card-scanning machines, three security caps, a fake name tag, various parking tickets, and a fake registration plate, with the car’s front plate removed while a false rear plate remained attached.

The Suzuki Ciaz used during the commission of the crime was also impounded for further forensic investigation.

The trio is expected to appear in court soon to face multiple charges, including impersonating security officers, possession of suspected fraudulent equipment, operating a vehicle with false registration plates, and unlawful possession of law enforcement-related gear.

Thepa issued a stern warning following the breakthrough, stating that the national key point is not a playground for criminals and emphasising that anyone attempting to break the law at the international gateway will face its full might.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.