Police impersonators arrested  

Thabazimbi – Five people found themselves in hot water after their plan to impersonate police officers only succeeded in getting them arrested. 

The five were arrested in Hoopdal outside Thabazimbi after police officers on duty, acting on information supplied by concerned community members, cornered them at a local tavern in the area. “One of them was armed with a 9mm pistol and was wearing a SAPS reflector jacket. Police swiftly responded and the five suspects were arrested while trying to flee from the scene in a VW Polo,” police spokesperson lieutenant colonel Mamphaswa Seabi said. 

A SAPS bullet proof vest, a pair of trousers, two constable rank structures, a police belt, a 9mm pistol, and a reflector jacket were among the items seized when police searched the vehicle. All suspects – charged for impersonating police officers, possession of an unlawful firearm and ammunition, driving under the influence of liquor, and the possession of suspected stolen property – appeared before the Thabazimbi Magistrates’ Court on Monday 18 May.

How the suspects managed to get hold of SAPS gear is unknown. An attempt by Platinum Bushvelder to obtain the outcome of the court appearance, or other relevant information from the police regarding this case, was unsuccessful at the time of going to print.