Real deal arrest fake police robbing victim near R21
The suspects will be linked with a number of similar cases that have been reported to the police recently.
Three police impersonators involved in an attempted robbery near the Route 21 office park in Irene on December 4 were arrested by the Lyttelton police.
The arrests took place on late Wednesday afternoon.
According to police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk, officers from the Lyttelton SAPS undercover unit were on patrol in a crime hotspot area when they noticed a white Toyota Corolla parked with three men inside.
“One of the suspects was searching a person standing on the roadside,” said Van Dyk.
He said officers quickly recognised the incident as a potential robbery in progress.
“In a tactical response, one officer exited the police vehicle and approached the suspects.”
Van Dyk said police quickly surrounded the suspects, who were still attempting to rob the victim of his money and cellphone.
Image: Supplied
He said after securing the three suspects, officers conducted a thorough search of the vehicle while awaiting backup from additional SAPS members.
“A private security company also arrived on the scene to assist in the operation.”
During the search, officers uncovered a variety of items, including several fake cellphones, envelopes, cash and the victim’s cellphone.
“There were multiple cellphones hidden in the vehicle that the suspects could not account for.”
Van Dyk added that preliminary investigations revealed that at least one of the arrested suspects had a previous arrest record in the Lyttelton area for a similar crime.
“Detective services will be linking these suspects with a number of similar cases that have been reported recently.”
The management of the Lyttelton SAPS expressed gratitude towards the officers involved in the arrests.
“We have loyal and dedicated members who are willing to put their lives on the line to save yours.”
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