POLOKWANE – Two suspects, aged 35 and 42, have been arrested following an intelligence-led operation by Polokwane Detectives after a woman was allegedly robbed of R61,000 by men impersonating police officials in Polokwane.

The victim, from Botlokwa village, was allegedly approached on Landros Mare Street in the Polokwane CBD on Friday, August 21, by a man who falsely claimed that someone was attempting to scam her money using what appeared to be traditional medicine. Two other men then allegedly approached her, impersonated police officials and offered to assist her.

Victim taken to police station

The suspects allegedly took the victim to Polokwane Police Station, however only the suspects went into the Community Service Center and immediately came back, questioning her about money in her bank accounts.

After she disclosed that she had substantial funds in two accounts, they allegedly convinced her to withdraw money to protect it from the supposed scam.

The victim was taken to Savannah Mall, where she withdrew R61 000, which was allegedly placed in an envelope.

The suspects then accompanied her to another bank branch, where she was unable to withdraw the remaining funds because an appointment was required. She made an appointment to return the following day.

The suspects allegedly assured her that the R61 000 would be kept safely at the police station.

Victim discovers she was robbed

On Saturday, August 22, the victim returned to the police station with her children to enquire about the alleged officials and her money, only to discover that she had been robbed and that the men were not police officials.

Intelligence-led operation leads to arrests

An investigation linked the suspects to the Mahwelereng area outside Mokopane. During an intelligence-led tactical operation, the suspects were spotted travelling along Landros Mare Street near an Engen garage.

They allegedly attempted to evade police when stopped, resulting in a pursuit. The suspects were subsequently cornered and arrested near Polokwane Provincial Hospital. The vehicle was confiscated for further investigation.

More victims urged to come forward

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects may be operating in areas including Bela-Bela, Modimolle, Lephalale and Polokwane. Investigations are continuing to establish whether they can be linked to other similar cases.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, August 24, facing charges of robbery and impersonating police officials. Additional charges may be added as the investigation progresses.

Police commissioner warns public

The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers, warned members of the public to remain vigilant and never hand over cash, bank cards or banking information to persons claiming to be police officials without first verifying their identities.

The Provincial Commissioner further appealed to any other victims who may have fallen victim to the same modus operandi to come forward and report their cases to the police. Such information could assist investigators in linking the suspects to other crimes.

Members of the public are reminded that legitimate police officials will never instruct victims to withdraw money and hand it over to them for “safekeeping” or to prevent an alleged scam.