Two men, believed to be behind blue lights robberies and hijackings, is appearing in the Periodical Court in Leandra today (July 6) for the first time since their arrest on July 3.

Collaboration between police in Devon, Gauteng, and the Mpumalanga Organised Crime Investigation Unit led to the interception and arrest of the duo.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Mavela Masondo, said the suspects failed to stop at a stop-and-search operation conducted in Devon.

A chase ensued to Leandra where the suspects’ vehicle was stopped and the two men, aged 32 and 41, were arrested.

Police found an unlicenced firearm loaded with ammunition, blue lights, uniforms of Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department and SAPS inside the vehicle.

Masondo said further investigation revealed the vehicle was recently hijacked. Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi commended the police officers who effected this arrest.

“This sends a strong message that police will not tolerate criminals who disguise as law enforcement officers to terrorise innocent and unsuspecting motorists.

“The use of blue lights and police uniforms to commit robbery and hijackings is a serious criminal offence and undermines public trust.

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“I commend the collaboration between our Mpumalanga Organised Crime Investigation Unit and SAPS Devon for their swift action that led to this interception.

“We remain committed to rooting out these syndicates and ensuring that our roads are safe for all road users.

“Let this serve as a warning to others who might be involved in such acts of criminality” said the General.

The arrested men are facing charges that include possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, and impersonating a police officer.

The court postponed the case to July 17.

This story was amended to reflect the next court date.