Tshwane police nab trio impersonating officers in robbing motorists

Tshwane police have arrested three suspects who posed as officers using blue lights to pull over and rob unsuspecting motorists. 

The arrests follow a series of armed robberies in which criminals posed as police officers, using blue lights to pull over unsuspecting motorists before robbing them at gunpoint. 

Tshwane District Police spokesperson Captain Johan Van Dyk said that in the early hours of Thursday, July 24, officers from Boschkop SAPS, assisted by Echo 1 Security and the Boschkop Community Policing Forum (CPF), responded to intelligence and intercepted a white Toyota Hilux GD6 double-cab bakkie on the R104.

“The identified vehicle had been linked through surveillance footage and community intelligence to multiple incidents of this nature in the Boschkop policing area.”

He added that the suspects were found with items typically used to impersonate law enforcement officers.

“During the arrest, the suspects were found in possession of an unlicensed firearm, unlicensed ammunition, a blue light and a Police uniform. All three suspects have been charged with armed robbery, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The vehicle has also been positively linked to similar cases in the Cullinan and Bronkhorstspruit policing areas,” Van Dyk added.

Major-General Samuel Thine praised everyone involved in the operation, highlighting their commitment, quick response, and strong collaboration in protecting the community.

“These arrests are a result of committed partnerships between SAPS, private security, and community structures. We remain steadfast in our mission to restore safety and trust in our communities,” he said.

Authorities have also called on the public to stay alert and report any suspicious behaviour by contacting SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or using the My SAPS App.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za