Two imposters have been arrested in Houghton, Johannesburg for impersonating police officers. The pair aged 43 and 49 were arrested on Wednesday evening and found in possession of two firearms, one unlicensed and the other a replica.

In a statement police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the SAPS National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team working closely with JMPD and a private security company has been keeping observation on the pair for the past two weeks.

They are alleged to have been posing as police officers and extorting “protection fees” from business owners in and around Johannesburg.

According to Mathe 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 an SAPS appointment card. Preliminary investigations have revealed that both imposters are not in the employ of the SAPS.”

The pair is expected to make their first appearance on Friday, 03 November 2023, before the Johannesburg Central Magistrate’s Court on a charge of impersonating a police officer and being in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.”

The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola says it’s a serious crime to impersonate a police officer.

“We are intensifying our safer festive operations and our high-density operations under Operation Shanela. Criminals don’t have anywhere to hide, our intelligence is at work. We urge our communities to continue to report wrongdoing so that we are able to collectively make our communities safe”, said Gen Masemola.

Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities in their communities to the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or to the Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 701 701.