Everson Luhanga
Gauteng police have arrested a gang of suspected thugs who posed as police in order to rob people after leaving the bank.
The gang was arrested in the Johannesburg CBD on Wednesday and were found in possession of blue police lights, a police uniform, a replica of a firearm and false registration plates.
Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the arrest.
Masondo said the four suspects, aged between 33 and 37, are believed to be responsible for robberies in Johannesburg and Gauteng at large.
“Police’s Crime Intelligence members received information about the suspects who are involved in the bank following robberies – that they were going to rob one of the victims in Johannesburg,” said Lt-Col Masondo.
“The members from Johannesburg Metro Police were activated to back up the team that kept close observation of the suspects. The team spotted and followed the car that matched the description given, from Turfontein to Johannesburg CBD, where they stopped them.” He said one of the four suspects was found wearing an incomplete police uniform.
“Upon searching the suspects and the vehicle, police found a replica of a firearm, balaclavas, police jacket, police cap, and police bulletproof vest. Further investigation revealed that the car, a Toyota Corolla, was fitted with false registration plates and blue lights on the dashboard,” he said.
All four suspects were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, impersonating police officers, and possession of suspected stolen property. More changes might be added.
Masondo said the suspects will be profiled to establish whether they were involved in other violent and serious crimes committed in the province.
All four suspects will appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
