Bogus cops caught red-handed in Upper Highway
The suspects were arrested after they attempted to rob a man of his gun and other valuables at his home in KwaNgcolosi.
TWO men appeared at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges of house robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as impersonating police officers.
The two were arrested last Friday, May 12 by Hillcrest SAPS after they attempted to rob a house owner of his firearm and other valuables at a residence on Mepho Road at KwaNgcolosi.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said information at the police’s disposal indicates that three people – two men and a woman, who was reportedly wearing a T-shirt with a police badge – barged into the house and introduced themselves as investigating officers from SAPS Hillcrest and said they were investigating a case of murder.
“They allegedly demanded to search the house and seized the homeowner’s licensed firearm when his daughter detected weird behaviour from them. She alerted community members who came to her father’s rescue, who was already handcuffed at the time.
“As the bogus police officers failed to produce any form of identification, the matter was reported to the police who responded swiftly. Two men were arrested, and police are still on the lookout for the female suspect who reportedly disappeared prior to the police’s arrival at the scene,” reported Netshiunda.
According to the police spokesperson, the suspects were found in possession of the victim’s firearm as well as another firearm with its serial number filed off.
Also read: Man (63) to appear in court for attempted murder of wife
“A subsequent search in their vehicle led to the discovery of KwaZulu-Natal police vehicle-registration plates, however, investigation proved that the number on the registration plates belonged to a police vehicle in SAPS Sunnyside in Pretoria, Gauteng province. Police Covid-19 masks were also found inside the vehicle,” said Netshiunda.
He added that police are applauding the community members who came together and prevented a crime from happening.
“Unity within communities and cooperation with police will go a long way in closing off the spaces for criminals to operate,” said Netshiunda.
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