Two men, aged 35 and 42, have been arrested after an intelligence-led operation by Polokwane detectives after they allegedly impersonated police officials and robbed a woman of R61 000.
The victim, from Botlokwa village, was approached on Landros Mare Street in the Polokwane CBD, Limpopo, by a man who falsely claimed she was being targeted in a scam involving traditional medicine. Two other men then posed as police officers and offered to assist her.
The suspects allegedly took her to Polokwane police station, briefly entered the Community Service Centre to appear legitimate and then questioned her about her bank accounts.
Convinced she was at risk, the woman withdrew R61 000 at Savannah Mall. The bogus policemen told her they would keep the money safe at the police station.
When she returned to the police station the next day to enquire about her money, she discovered she had been deceived and robbed.
Investigators traced the suspects to the Mahwelereng area outside Mokopane. During a tactical operation, they were spotted in a white Toyota Vitz along Landros Mare Street. After attempting to evade police, the suspects were cornered and arrested near Polokwane Provincial Hospital. The vehicle was confiscated for further investigation.
Preliminary findings suggest the suspects may be linked to similar crimes in Bela-Bela, Modimolle, Lephalale and Polokwane. The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are anticipated.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, August 24, facing charges of robbery and impersonating police officials. Additional charges could follow, police said.
- Two men aged 35 and 42 were arrested in Polokwane for allegedly impersonating police officers and robbing a woman of R61 000.
- The victim was approached on Landros Mare Street and deceived into believing she was targeted in a scam involving traditional medicine.
- The suspects took her to Polokwane police station, questioned her about bank accounts, and convinced her to withdraw money to "keep safe" at the station.
- The suspects were found in a white Toyota Vitz, attempted to flee, but were arrested near Polokwane Provincial Hospital, and their vehicle was confiscated.
- They are expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on August 24, facing robbery and impersonation charges, with an ongoing investigation suggesting links to similar crimes in several towns.
Two men, aged 35 and 42, have been arrested after an intelligence-led operation by Polokwane detectives after they allegedly impersonated police officials and robbed a woman of R61 000.
Convinced she was at risk, the woman withdrew R61 000 at Savannah Mall.
When she returned to the police station the next day to enquire about her money, she discovered she had been deceived and robbed.
Investigators traced the suspects to the
Preliminary findings suggest the suspects may be linked to similar crimes in Bela-Bela, Modimolle, Lephalale and Polokwane.
