5 suspects with full army, police uniforms arrested for impersonation and robberies
Image: Supplied/SAPS
Gauteng police have arrested five people for impersonating soldiers, police, and emergency services personnel.
Police spokesperson Cpt Mavela Masondo said a 25-year-old dreadlocked man was arrested in Heidelberg for impersonating a member of the SANDF and being in possession of stolen property after he was found walking in the CBD wearing full SANDF uniform on Sunday.
“Members of the community found it unusual when they saw the dreadlock man in full army uniform walking along Voortrekker Street and they alerted the police,” Masondo said.
He said after the man was interviewed, police established that he was not a member of the SANDF.
“He was arrested and charged with impersonating a member of the SANDF and possession of suspected stolen property,” he said.
On the same day, a 40-year-old man was arrested after he was found driving a vehicle fitted with red lights and a siren.
“When stopped, the suspect could not produce proof that he is an emergency services employee. As police were searching the car, they found an unlicensed firearm with ammunition as well as traffic cones belonging to the South African Police Service,” he said.
Image: Supplied/SAPS
Police also arrested a former reservist along with two suspects for impersonating police officers.
Masondo said they were also arrested for robbery after police received information that the trio had committed common robbery.
“A lookout for the suspects was conducted. A vehicle matching the description given was spotted and stopped in Soshanguve. Upon questioning the occupants, it was established that one female is a former police reservist while the other female and male were just members of the community,” he said.
Masondo said police searched the vehicle and found police uniforms, unwritten police dockets, trays of eggs and livestock of chickens. The suspects were charged with impersonating police officers, possession of suspected stolen property and common robbery.
He said the five would appear in court soon.
“Investigation is under way to establish how the suspects acquired uniforms and property that belongs to the police and the army. Further charges may be added to all the suspects, pending the investigation,” he said.