Bogus cop bust

Fochville police’s communication officer, Sgt Elsie Tshonte, says CPF (Community Policing Forum) patrollers found the man with a police uniform in Kokosi on Monday, 31 May. As they realised he was not an SAPS member, they immediately called the Fochville police.
The police arrested the 24-year-old man after he failed to explain where he had got the uniform. He was charged with the possession of suspected stolen property.
According to Fochville CPF’s chairperson, Mr JC Van der Merwe, the patrollers received information on the suspect from the community.
He was also found in possession of sim cards and a driver’s licence that did not belong to him. As far as could be determined, these items were stolen in Fochville.
Tshonte believes his arrest could be linked to the high number of hijackings in the West Rand recently, especially on the N12, R500 and in the Klipdrift area towards Potchefstroom.
Fochville’s station commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Kgomotso Netshitangani, applauded the patrollers for being vigilant and committed to keeping the community of Fochville and Kokosi safe. She further wel- comed the teamwork between the police and CPF patrollers.
This was the second victory against hijackers in the past few weeks. The police also arrested a hitchhiker with a 9-mm Star pistol on the side of the N12 near Fochville on 13 May. This 32-year-old man also had four bullets with him.
Tshonte warns motorists in the area to still be very vigilant to avoid being hijacked.
Motorists should look out for numerous signs if they do not want to become hijacking statistics.
They should not stop for single men or women hitchhiking on the side of the road. They should also not stop when people indicate that their car or truck has a flat tyre. Motorists should rather drive to the nearest filling station or another safe place before checking.
Drivers should also not stop for bogus police and traffic officials, who usually wear reflective jackets or have a blue light on their unmarked vehicle.
Be very vigilant when you approach a four-way stop. Carefully observe any person or vehicle and make sure your doors are locked and the windows are closed all the time.
Tshonte also warns that hijackers are often well-dressed and drive slowly in vehicles that could poten- tially go very fast.
If you see any suspicious vehicle or person or have any information about such activities, call the police emergency number 08600 10111 or SMS to 32211. Information may also be conveyed to the police via the My-SAPS App that can be downloaded on any smartphone. The caller will remain anonymous.