He is due to reappear in court on November 1.
The man was arrested on October 6 in the parking area of Lakeside Mall.
Benoni SAPS spokesperson Capt Nomsa Sekele said the man pretended to be a police officer who was assigned to check if shops are complying with the regulations required.
“During August, the former officer apparently threatened a scrap metal owner claiming that the business doesn’t comply with the second-hand goods law and demanded an undisclosed amount of money as a pardon gesture,” said Sekele.
On October 6, WO Eddy Sibanyoni and Sgt Busisiwe Ngubeni conducted their daily routine of visiting second-hand goods stores.
“When they stopped at the store, the owner told them that a certain officer has already assessed the place and he is in the vicinity.”
Sekele added that the two officers searched for the man.
He was spotted walking along Wilstead Street and Bedford Avenue in the Benoni CBD.
The 38-year-old ran to Lakeside Mall.
The two officers, with the assistance of the EMPD and community members, were apprehended.
Also read: Woman (77) robbed while shopping at local mall
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