QWAQWA – A 20-year-old man arrested in connection with impersonating a police officer in the Eastern Free State is scheduled to appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates Court – today, Thursday, 12 February, facing multiple charges. Members of the Phuthaditjhaba Crime Intelligence and Public Order Police arrested the suspect on Tuesday, 10 February, acting on intelligence-driven information.
WO Mmako Mophiring, spokesperson for the Free State police in Thabo Mofutsanyana district, said that during a search at the suspect’s place, members uncovered significant incriminating items belonging to or used by police. These were discovered in Bluegumbosch, one of the major residential areas in Qwaqwa.
Mophiring 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. He said the significant 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, constable insignia, a holster, ammunition, a firearm replica, a police belt and socks.
Mophiring 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 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 include possession of suspected stolen property, impersonating a police officer, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Mophiring said an investigation is continuing in the matter.
