A man who has been impersonating a senior police officer on the Bluff and South Beach in Durban has been arrested and found in possession of multiple firearms, reports Southlands Sun.

The suspect had been presenting himself as a senior police officer during operations linked to vehicle theft investigations.

He had interacted with various law enforcement members, presenting a fake appointment card. It is also alleged that the suspect was claiming to be attached to a provincial VIP unit.

According to a statement on Facebook for metro police, members observed suspicious behaviour, including inconsistencies in his conduct and the handling of a privately owned firearm.

“Verification processes were initiated through Crime Intelligence and police provincial structures, confirming that no such individual exists within SAPS records,” the statement read.

Police launched an investigation

An operation was conducted in which the suspect was asked to meet officers at Durban North Police Station. Upon engagement, he failed to produce valid identification or proof of employment as a police official.

“The suspect was found in possession of a firearm and was immediately disarmed. Further verification confirmed that he was not a member of SAPS,” the statement read.

Further investigations led members to his residence, where additional items of evidential value were discovered, includingfirearms, blue lights, and documentation falsely linking him to law enforcement.

A second suspect was later located in Chatsworth. He was found in possession of one of the firearms and was also arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The suspect is facing the following charges

• Impersonating a police officer
• Contravention of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000
• Possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition

The police confiscated three 9mm handguns, live ammunition, empty magazines, a vehicle fitted with blue lights, a cellphone, a laptop, false documentation and identification materials, and security company-related documents.

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