A few residents from Midrand have questioned why a man, later identified as a police officer, was allegedly driving around in a ‘suspicious’ unmarked VW Polo with blue lights and with two civilian passengers.
A resident, who has asked not to be named for fear of her safety, said recently she had heard reports of an accident in Midrand and decided to pass by the scene to see if anyone needed help and if emergency services had arrived.
She said, on the way to the accident scene, she saw a car with blue lights on the front of it and found that suspicious, she followed the car to Midway Mews where she had to change routes in case they noticed she was tailing them.
Still concerned about the incident, she called Ria Sebetsa Security Services in Midrand, to make them aware of the suspicious vehicle which she last saw on Harry Galaun Road in Midway Mews.
The security company decided to follow up on the call and found the vehicle still in Midway Mews and started to follow it.
Chief executive officer at Ria Sebetsa Security Services Danny Maduray revealed, “We called the police to come and arrest the suspects. The driver of the vehicle identified himself as a police officer from the Hawks, while two passengers were not police officers.”
The three occupants of the unmarked vehicle with, according to the security company, fake number plates, are said to have noticed that they were being followed. When stopped by the security company, the three men allegedly wanted to leave before police arrived, after one of them had identified himself as a police officer. The security company stopped them from leaving until officers arrived.
Midrand police spokesperson, Constable Matome Tlamela said that according to records, “No arrest was made as no case was opened against the police officer and the passengers. The officer was released after verification that he works for the South African Police Service. Police booked in one firearm, a blue light, appointment card, holster and a reflector jacket for inquiry.”
Maduray urged residents to be vigilant and be careful when driving around, adding that if an unmarked vehicle tried to stop you, you must indicate for them to follow you to the police station. Following the incident, some residents have taken to social media to thank the security company for their continued efforts in fighting crime in Midrand.
Midrand Community Policing Forum chairperson, Steven Johnstone said he had heard about the incident. “We would like to warn residents to be alert and not stop for unmarked vehicles with blue lights that may try to pull them over. Instead, drive towards a police station or garage which is well lit and has a camera system in place. Footage can be retrieved at a later stage as evidence if needed.”
Johnstone also requested that if the community is aware of any illegal activities, they should report it to police.
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