This follows several cases that have been reported from October to November of people complaining about being robbed by individuals/group claiming to be police officers.
“These con-men operating as law enforcement officers mostly in the Springs CBD are allegedly targeting older people.
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“They approach the victims while dressed in casual or formal clothes. They have fake identity cards but no weapons.
“They then smear the unsuspecting victims with some form of traditional medicine and then take their money.
“If you don’t have money they will go with you to your house and take the money you have there, or get you to take your bank card from home, return with them to town, withdraw your money and then they take it,” says Capt Johannes Ramphora.
He adds that it seems like the victims only realise what has happened to them sometime after the incident.
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“We are asking for people to be careful and aware of their surroundings.
“Avoid going to town alone, especially if you will be withdrawing money, have money on you or will be buying in cash,” says Ramphora.
Locals are encouraged to rather opt for transferring the money than to withdraw or to swipe when making purchases.
