Days of being fake cops are over for two suspects who were arrested through a joint operation of the SAPS, metro police, and private security. Norwood spokesperson warrant officer Eric Masotsha reported that the two suspects aged between 43 and 49 were arrested in Houghton on November 1.
“The pair was arrested on Wednesday evening and found in possession of two firearms, one unlicensed and the other a replica. The SAPS, JMPD and private security had been keeping observation of the pair for the past two weeks,” said Masotsha.
He said both suspects were reportedly posing as police officers and extorting ‘protection fees’ from business owners in and around Johannesburg. In their possession, police also found and seized R16 000 that is suspected to have been obtained illegally; balaclavas and multiple cellphones. One of the suspects was found to be in possession of a SAPS appointment card.
Warrant officer Masotsha further said that preliminary investigations revealed that both imposters are not in the employ of the SAPS. The pair are set to make their first appearance in court charged with impersonating a police officer and being in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Communities are encouraged to continue reporting wrongdoing or any suspicious activities in their communities to the crime stop number on 086 001 0111 or to the anti-corruption hotline on 080 000 2870.
Related Article: IPID effects arrest following murder of metro police officer
