Fake police hunted down

It is alleged that one of the suspects is an ex-SAPS member.

A TRIO was arrested in Haddon on January 18 after using a blue light, impersonating police officers and pulling people over on the N12 highway in the Comaro area. They were chased by the Mondeor and Booysens SAPS, JMPD, JHB Flying Squad and an SAPS helicopter.

According to a statement issued by Captain Nokulunga Dube, communications officer at Mondeor SAPS, a complainant was driving with his wife on the N12 from Alberton to Bassonia when a white Toyota Etios began flicking its lights at him from behind.

“In the vehicle were three unknown males, one of whom showed the man a police badge though the window, pointed a firearm at him and robbed him of an undisclosed amount of money. The police were notified of the incident. The suspects were chased to the Booysens area where all three suspects were arrested by the JMPD,” read the statement.

According to the Mondeor SAPS they are currently investigating a case of armed robbery.

A statement about the arrest also appeared on the Glenvista Policing Forum Facebook page on January 18. The trio is known for following people from OR Tambo Airport International Airport and targeting travellers. The Alberton couple were unfortunately not the only victims of their activities.

The suspects also followed two vehicles from the airport area and pulled them over near the Comaro off-ramp. The victims, who are from Mozambique, were travelling in a silver Hilux bakkie and HiAce minibus. They were robbed of cash and cellphones.

MB10, a community policing forum (CPF) patroller from the Mondeor Sector 1 SAPS area, witnessed the robbery and followed the suspects who were driving the same white Toyota Etios. Backup was arranged by CPF members, and the Mondeor and Booysens SAPS, JMPD, JHB Flying Squad and an SAPS helicopter were soon on the scene and in pursuit.

“MB10 pursued them into Haddon where all three were arrested by CPF members, JMPD and SAPS,” read the statement posted by Mike Fontes of Mondeor Sector 1 SAPS. “This arrest was possible because of information sharing, and if people did not share their experiences with this gang on social media there would have been little awareness.

“I congratulate MB10 on exceptional bravery and ability and thank all those that offered support, from CPF members from all areas, JMPD and SAPS. With a partnership like this between community and law enforcement, we will win the war on crime in our area.”

The statement also included an update stating that the suspects were still in custody and the investigation had been taken over by a national unit. It is alleged that one of the suspects is an ex-SAPS member. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon. This is an ongoing story and updates will follow.

There were many comments in the post on Facebook, one of which read: “My Dad and I were sadly victims of this trio on Monday (January 15). They held us up on the N12 near The Glen and robbed us of everything including phones, cash, gold chains and watches. We are Zimbabwean, and circumstances did not allow us to file a report or make it to the nearest police station. We would be happy for justice to be served on these people who think they have a right to people’s hard work. Let me know if you need more details.”