Tourists Caroline Mitchell and Brian Smith were robbed of R20 000.
Two British tourists were robbed of R20 000 in cash by fake policemen shortly after arriving in the country.
Brian Smith and Caroline Mitchell, who are on a three-week holiday in the country, were on their way to a guesthouse in Rivonia when the incident happened at about midday on 31 January.
“We were driving on the M1 near the Rivonia off-ramp and missed the turnoff when a car came up alongside, flashed a badge and instructed us to pull over. One of the men approached our car and told me to wind down the window and grabbed the car keys through the open window,” explained Smith.
He said the man demanded that he show them his licence and he then called over one of his accomplices. “He handed the key to his friend, who went to the passenger side of the vehicle. He asked for the money and rooted through Mitchell’s handbag and wallet. The officers were not in police clothes, and when I asked for the key he threatened to shoot me.”
They got away with R20 000 in cash but did not take anything else. “It is a possibility that we were followed home from the airport. I am very upset and scared, and I believe instances like this will hit the tourism industry in the country,” added Smith.
Tourists Caroline Mitchell and Brian Smith were robbed of R20 000.
Constable David Mothapo, spokesperson for Sandton Police Station said, “If you doubt the validity of an officer that is trying to pull you over, you can signal them to follow you to the nearest police station.”
Mothapo said the incidents happen mostly at night and drivers should be vigilant. “If you suspect it is a fake vehicle, it is important to try and get the registration number or the vehicle call sign and phone 10111 to verify the vehicle,” said Mothapo.
Details: Sandton Police Station 011 722 4200.
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