Terror of criminals posing as police
Cases on the rise in Mpumalanga
Police in Mpumalanga are seeing a rise in criminal cases involving people posing as members of the force.
This comes after a motorist died from his injuries shortly after he shot and killed two would-be hijackers in Delmas.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brig Leonard Hlathi said: “The horrific incident unfolded on Saturday on the R50 road in Delmas.”
Hlathi said several cases have been reported to them in which people are hijacked by criminals wearing police uniforms.
“Several incidents were reported at Delmas SAPS where victims were hijacked and robbed of their vehicles as well as valuables by suspects who disguised themselves as law enforcement officers, driving vehicles fitted with blue lights.
“Some of the suspects have since been arrested and their cases are before the court,” said Hlathi.
In the latest incident, he said a passer-by informed authorities about two vehicles and three people lying on the ground next to the road.
He said the passer-by further informed the police that the vehicles were riddled with bullets and all three men seemed to have been shot.
Police and medical personnel went to the scene where they found a white Toyota Hilux with a male occupant with gunshot wounds.
Hlathi said a white VW Polo Vivo fitted with police blue lights was parked behind the bakkie and two men were found inside with gunshot wounds as well.
“Preliminary investigation suggests that the two men from the VW Polo were trying to hijack the bakkie when the shoot-out ensued.”
He said the alleged hijackers were found with police face masks and reflector jackets.
The victim and one of the suspects, with known past cases, have been identified.