Gauteng police arrested a gang of bogus cops in Lanseria on Sunday that is suspected of being responsible for car hijackings and robberies around the province.
The five suspects aged between 26 and 36 were allegedly found in possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition and police uniform. The gang of bogus cops is linked to various cases where victims were robbed and hijacked by people wearing police uniform, said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo.
“Members of Crime Intelligence gathered information about suspects that wait at a petrol station to prey on unsuspecting motorists and subsequently hijack and rob them at gunpoint. Information on the planned hijacking that was to happen on Sunday night was shared with other operatives,” Masondo said.
He said a team comprising of members of the police’s tactical response team, Gauteng crime intelligence, Tracker Connect, West Rand flying squad, Guradmax Security, BCI Security and Vision Tactical came together to intercept the suspects.
“As the team was keeping close observation, they spotted a blue Mazda that matched the description of the suspects’ vehicle and followed it until it stopped at the petrol station in Lanseria.
“Upon searching the five occupants and the car, police found two unlicensed firearms (a shotgun and pistol), ammunition and a police uniform. The suspects were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen property, impersonating police officers, and conspiracy to commit a crime,” said Masondo.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Source: IOL, Times Live, The South African, image from Times Live: SAPS