Impostor Hawks solicit public bribes with threats of arrest
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, noted with concern increasing incidents of impostors claiming to be Hawks investigators.
These impostors target vulnerable people and demand money in order to derail investigations. This follows the arrest of a 29-year-old suspect who approached an elderly victim at his house last week.
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The lone suspect produced a fraudulent document bearing a Hawks emblem, stating it was a murder charge withdrawal proof from a Hawks investigation against him.
The suspect allegedly demanded R60 000 in order for this to be made a formality. At this stage the victim recognised the suspect as one of the three who had come to his house on the morning of June 29 and introduced themselves as investigators in a murder case he was “implicated” in. The trio was allegedly driving a police vehicle and stated they were there to arrest him.
The victim was threatened and told his family was going to be destroyed unless he paid R60 000 in cash to make the case disappear The victim reluctantly gave in to the demand and paid them the money. The impostors left the house and one of them later returned in the evening and demanded another R60 000.
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The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team was alerted and arrested the 29-year-old suspect at the victim’s house, after he was made to wait for the money to be organised.
Charges of fraud, extortion and impersonating a police offi cer were brought in against the suspect who is expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court soon.
The DPCI’s national head, Lt Gen Godfrey Lebeya, once again warned members of the public to be wary of impostors.
“I would like to remind the public that the real Hawks would never demand payment for their services, nor to make the case go away. “We provide services free of charge. We perform our duties without fear, favour or prejudice. Those who solicit payment by promising favours are not our members. Anyone who commits corruption or extortion in our name must expect serious consequences,” warned Lebeya.
