When you place your trust in the police service to protect you, it is a frightening experience when police copycats threaten to enter your home.
This was the traumatising experience business owner Mohammed Dawood and his family had to endure last week on Sunday evening, March 22 at their property in Shakaskraal.
“At around 8.30pm on Sunday, I was at my house with my wife and daughter when a unmarked bakkie, with no number plates, pulled up into our driveway,” said Mohammed.
The vehicle had a flashing blue light on the dashboard and was parked in the driveway for about five minutes.
“I kept an eye on the car from upstairs where we were sitting. The bakkie switched on the blue light every few minutes and I thought it was very strange. When the bakkie started hooting I decided to go down and see what was going on.
“There were five men, dressed in police uniform and they said they were from the Durban organised crime unit and had an employee of mine in the car that was a suspect for a crime,” said Mohammed.
The so-called police told Mohammed that he needed to open the gate for them to search his property.
“I asked them if I could talk to the suspect but they would not let me, so I asked if they have a warrant to search the property and they just showed me a card. I was too afraid to go closer to have a good look,” said Mohammed.
Mohammed’s son, Aslam, who was not at the house, said his dad told his mom to phone Umhlali SAPS.
“My dad knew that local police always needs to accompany any outside police unit,” said Aslam.
Mohammed said this really upset them.
“They got angry and said there was no need to phone the police because they are the police and that they do not want to break down my gate,” he said.
Aslam said this was when his dad knew they were not official police.
“When he went into the house, the bogus police climbed into the bakkie and sped off,” he said.
Aslam said the Umhlali SAPS arrived at the property within two minutes.
“We really just want to thank the Umhlali SAPS for their swift reaction. They stayed at the house for some time to make sure everything is in order and since then they have been more active with patrolling the streets,” said Aslam.
Aslam specifically praised Insp Hoosain and Const Khumalo.
“If it was not for my gut feeling and quick thinking, I do not know if we would have been alive right now,” said Mohammed.
He said it was the most terrifying and traumatising event in his entire life and that his family is shaken up.
“It was so scary to see the men wearing those official uniforms. But people have rights when it comes to police, and if people know their rights they would know not to just open the gate for them.”
Mohammed said he was very grateful for the quick response from the police that came to their aid.
Lt Col Dieter Fittkau from Umhlali SAPS said that they will be investigating the matter.
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