Thabazimbi fake cop granted bail
Four of the five men who were allagedly masquerading as police officials have been released and all charges dropped, says the police
LIMPOPO – A 27-year-old man who was part of a group of five people arrested for allegedly impersonating police officers, made his first court appearance in the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 21 May.
The suspect faces charges of impersonating a police officer, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen properties and driving under the influence of liquor. The charges against four of the men have since been dropped said Police Spokesperson, Lt Col Mamphaswa Seabi.
The five men were arrested on Monday, 17 May after the police responded to a tip-off about a group of men masquerading as police officers at a tavern in Skierlik village in Hoopdal. During the arrest the police recovered one Saps bullet proof vest, a pair of Saps issued trousers and a belt. two constable rank structures, a 9mm pistol, one magazine, eight rounds of ammunition and a Saps reflector jacket.
The suspect was granted R1 000 bail and his case was postponed to 6 July for further police investigations. Seabi said the suspect will still be profiled to determine if he was previously involved in any other crimes. The origin of the recovered items will also be revealed by the ongoing police investigations.
17 May
LIMPOPO – The police in Hoopdal today (Monday, 17 May) arrested five people who masqueraded as police officers at a local tavern.
Police Spokesperson, Lt Col Mamphaswa Seabi says the men were arrested after the police received a tip-off about their illegal activities. “Upon arrival at the scene the police found five men portraying themselves a police officials. One suspect was armed and was wearing a police reflector jacket and when the police members approached the suspects attempted to flee in a sedan.Â
Seabi said the suspects were cornered and arrested. “The members searched the vehicle and recovered one Saps bullet proof vest, a pair of Saps issued trousers and a belt. two Constable rank structures, a 9mm pistol, one magazine, eight rounds of ammunition and a SAPS reflector jacket.”
The suspects will still be profiled to determine if they were previously involved in any other crimes. The origin of the recovered items will also be revealed by the ongoing police investigations, Seabi explained.
The men will appear in the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, 18 May on charges of impersonating police officers, possession of unlawful firearm and ammunition, driving under the influence of liquor and possession of suspected stolen properties.
