LIMPOPO – Police in Musina have arrested two suspects (aged 33 and 46-years-old) on charges of impersonating police, fraud and possession of suspected stolen properties.
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According to police spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, the two suspects alleged that they were from the National Counterfeit Goods Unit of the DPCI and that they were in the province to conduct operations in the Makhado Cluster, focusing on illegal businesses and counterfeit goods.
Ngoepe explained that the suspects arrived at the Makhado Police Station on Monday, 5 March, introduced themselves and requested backup from the oolice for the said operations. The police joined them in an operation which was conducted in and around the Makhado CBD.
“During this operation, properties valued at more than R40 000 were declared counterfeit and confiscated but the suspects did not take them to the police station, instead, they loaded them in their motor vehicle,” he said.
On Tuesday, 6 March, the duo proceeded to the Musina Policing area to continue with their operation but before they could commence, the Cluster Commander, Brigadier Eddie Van Der Walt, became suspicious and began asking them numerous questions.
“They could not answer all questions and that’s when initial police investigations ensued until it was confirmed that they weren’t part of any law enforcement unit in the country which led to their arrest,” Ngoepe explained.
The following items were confiscated during the arrest :
– One motor vehicle.
– One trailor.
– An air gun.
– The confiscated counterfeit goods.
– A register with contact numbers of Limpopo Police Stations and Cluster Offices.
The suspects will appear before the Musina and Louis Trichardt Magistrate’s Court soon.
“The second suspect (33) will also be charged with the Illegal Immigration Act because he was found to be in the country illegally,” Ngoepe concluded.
