QWAQWA – A young man from Qwaqwa arrested for impersonating a police officer Mpho Mohlakoana (20), reappeared in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates’ Court -today Thursday 19 February, for bail application set at R1000. This followed his arrest by members of the Phuthaditjhaba Crime Intelligence and Public Order Police on 10 February.
The suspected police impersonator was traced and arrested in Bluegumbosch, one of the major residential areas in Qwaqwa in the Eastern Free State.
WO Mmako Mophiring, spokesperson for the Free State police in the Thabo Mofutsanyana district, said that during a search at the suspect’s place, police members uncovered incriminating items belonging to or used by police.
He said that during an operation, members of the multidisciplinary team received information about a suspect impersonating a police officer and in possession of a firearm.
Mophiring said the items included an appointment certificate, constable insignia and police training modules. Additionally, members confiscated the following items: a police winter jacket, SAPS field dress trousers, a holster, ammunition, a firearm replica, a police belt and socks. He said the suspect was traced at a local tavern and escorted to his residence, where a search was conducted. He said according to preliminary findings, the suspect is known in the community as a police officer who is stationed at Harrismith.
“The suspect failed to provide details of where he was stationed and failed to account for the items. He later admitted that he was not a police officer, claiming he had stolen the uniform from a relative who is a police officer, leading to his immediate arrest,” said Mophiring.
He said preliminary charges against the suspect included the possession of suspected stolen property; impersonating a police officer; as well as the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Mophiring said the matter is further investigated. Young man impersonating police officer in court facing multiple charges
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