Combined efforts from different law enforcement departments recently led to the arrest of an alleged police impersonator.
Durban Metro Police Spokesperson, Colonel Boysie Zungu, said: “Members of the Tracing Unit became aware of an individual presenting himself as a senior SAPS officer during previous operations linked to vehicle theft investigations in the South Beach and Bluff areas.”
Zungu added that the individual had interacted with various law enforcement members, presenting an appointment card and claiming to be attached to the provincial VIP Unit. “Over time, members observed suspicious behaviour, including inconsistencies in his conduct and the handling of a privately owned firearm,” said the Spokesperson.
“Verification processes were initiated through crime intelligence and SAPS provincial structures, confirming that no such individual exists within SAPS records.”
An operation was initiated, and the suspect was requested to meet with the investigating teams at Durban North SAPS. Upon engagement, the suspect failed to produce valid identification or proof of employment as a police official.
Further verifications confirmed that the suspect was not a police officer; he was immediately disarmed and detained.
“Subsequent investigations led members to his residence, where additional items of evidential value were discovered, including firearms, blue lights, and documentation falsely linking him to law enforcement.”
The alleged police impersonator was charged with impersonating a police officer and contravention of the Firearms Control Act, including possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, and further charges will be added as investigations continue.
Exhibits confiscated include three 9 mm handguns, live ammunition and empty magazines, one motor vehicle fitted with blue lights, electronic devices, false identification materials, and security company-related documents.
