Pretoria Central police are cautioning residents to be wary of bogus cops soliciting bribes following the recent arrest of a suspect for impersonating an officer.
A 21-year-old man posing as a bogus cop was arrested at the corner of Struben and Lillian Ngoyi streets on September 11.
He was arrested after posing as a member of the crime prevention wardens, wearing the prescribed uniform (jacket and a bullet vest).
Police approached him while he was conducting a search on a community member.
“He was not known by any of the wardens operating in the Pretoria Central Policing precinct. He was immediately confronted and after a lengthy interview, it was discovered he was not an officer. An arrest was inflicted on the spot and he was taken to the station to be charged with impersonation of an officer and detained in the cells,” Nkhumise said.
An armed robber was also apprehended after he had just mugged a woman.
A 31-year-old man was arrested on September 9 on the corner of Madiba and Thabo Sehume Street.
Crime prevention patrollers observed the suspect running away. When members caught up with him, they were approached by a woman claiming that the man just robbed her.
“Upon stopping and searching him, a lady came from behind screaming and yelling, alleging that the male robbed her of a cellphone.”
After a search the man was indeed found in possession of a cellphone and a knife inside his pocket. Both the victim and suspect were taken to the station to obtain a statement and open a case of robbery with a dangerous weapon while the suspect was detained,” said Constable Thabang Nkhumise.
Station commander Brigadier Gibin Mashaba applauded officers for their high visibility and for ensuring that the community is always safe. He further sensitised residents to be more cautious and report any criminal activities they encounter and not to give any officer money upon demand.
“Officers are not allowed to receive or solicit any money from the community as that is considered to be a crime and taking bribes.
Lastly, an officer should be in possession of an appointment card or authorised identification,” Mashaba said.
Residents can send complaints to social platforms at www.saps.gov.za, use the MySAPSApp, call 08600 10111 or directly call the station on 079 880 0880 or 012 353 4000.
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