Police impersonators robbing learners nabbed in Centurion
The two suspects pretended to be police officers and targeted school learners to steal their phones.
Lyttelton police in collaboration with E2 Security and the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) arrested two suspects on Tuesday for impersonating police officers.
The two who had impersonated law enforcement authorities were reported to be part of cellphone thefts targeting school learners in Centurion.
Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk said the suspects specifically targeted learners and presented fake police IDs to deceive their victims.
“They convinced the learners to hand over their phones for inspection and then swap the real phone with a fake one,” explained Van Dyk.
He said the suspects would then seal the real phone in an envelope and flee the scene.
“The operation that led to the suspects’ arrest was part of a multidisciplinary effort aimed at reducing street robberies and cellphone thefts in the area.”
He said police received a tip-off about the suspects’ activities and followed up on the matter.
Van Dyk said police officers successfully located the suspects’ vehicle, a white VW Polo, at Trichardt Road in Centurion and executed a tactical takedown.
He said during the arrest, police officers recovered two stolen cellphones and a fake police ID card from the vehicle.
“The suspects now face charges of impersonating police officials and possession of suspected stolen property.”
Van Dyk said the suspects were expected to appear at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court within 48 hours.
“Detectives are investigating possible links between these suspects and other cellphone robbery cases reported over the past two months,” he added.
Station commander Brigadier Toohey emphasised the importance of community safety as the festive season approaches.
“As we enter the festive season, we will intensify our visibility and operations. Our strong relationships with law enforcement agencies and crime-fighting partners ensure that criminals are not welcome in Lyttelton,” Toohey said.
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