Bogus police officers arrested in Johannesburg

In a recent development, two bogus police officers, aged 43 and 49, have been apprehended in Houghton, Johannesburg, for impersonating police officers.

The arrests took place on Wednesday evening and were the result of a collaborative effort involving the SAPS National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), and a private security company.

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The imposters were discovered in possession of two firearms, one of which was unlicensed, and the other, a replica. Their activities had raised suspicion as they were allegedly extorting “protection fees” from business owners in and around Johannesburg, claiming to be law enforcement officers.

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WHAT WAS FOUND IN POSSESSION OF THE BOGUS POLICE OFFICERS?

Upon searching the suspects, the authorities also seized R16 000 believed to have been obtained illegally, along with balaclavas and multiple cellphones.

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Intriguingly, one of the imposters was found with an SAPS appointment card. Preliminary investigations have unveiled that neither of them is employed by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The two individuals are set to make their initial court appearance on 3 November 2023, before the Johannesburg Central Magistrate’s Court, facing charges of impersonating police officers and possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

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General Fannie Masemola, the National Commissioner of SAPS, emphasized the severity of impersonating a police office.

“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 Masemola.

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SAPS PLEA TO THE PUBLIC

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activities in their communities to the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or to the Anti-Corruption Hotline at 0800 701 701, contributing to the maintenance of law and order in the region.