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| Bogus Gauteng Traffic Officers |
Pretoria: In a commendable display of coordinated effort, the Hawks' Tactical Operations Management Section, alongside Falcon Risk Solutions, Tracker Connect, Gauteng Traffic Police Saturation Unit, Gauteng Traffic Police Chopper, and the Insurance Crime Bureau, successfully executed a joint operation that led to the arrest of two suspects involved in truck-hijackings in Gauteng.
Following diligent investigations, the multidisciplinary team honed in on a group of counterfeit Gauteng Traffic Officers who had been masquerading as legitimate law enforcement personnel to carry out their criminal activities. Clad in full traffic uniforms, the bogus officers were staging fake vehicle checkpoints to hijack unsuspecting truck drivers in the region.
The breakthrough came on Friday, 28 July 2023, when the suspects were spotted heading towards Atteridgeville, Pretoria West. Swiftly acting on the intelligence gathered, the joint police team managed to intercept and apprehend the duo, who were still dressed in their complete Gauteng Traffic uniforms as they attempted to flee from arrest.
During a thorough search of the suspects' vehicle, law enforcement officers seized an unlicensed firearm along with ammunition, a signal jammer, blue lights, official SAPS issue firearms holsters, counterfeit government number plates, and an assortment of additional traffic uniforms. The recovered evidence linked the arrested individuals to a series of truck hijackings that had been causing concern in the Gauteng area.
#sapsGP Today 28/7/23 #Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section with multidisciplinary team arrested 2 bogus Gauteng Traffic Officers who were hijacking trucks in Gauteng. Unlicensed firearm with ammunition, signal jammer, blue lights, SAPS issue firearms holsters, false… pic.twitter.com/cXWW2t4bA3
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 28, 2023
Both suspects are now facing charges related to their involvement in the truck-hijacking spree. They are scheduled to appear before the Pretoria Magistrates' court on Monday, 31 July 2023.
This successful operation showcases the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between various law enforcement agencies and private security firms in combating sophisticated criminal syndicates. The swift and meticulous actions of the multidisciplinary team have likely prevented further truck hijackings and enhanced the safety of road users in the region.
Colonel Philani Nkwalase, a spokesperson for the Hawks, expressed satisfaction with the operation's outcome and commended the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by all the agencies involved.
The authorities urge anyone with further information on this case or similar criminal activities to come forward and assist in ongoing efforts to maintain public safety and security.
source: SAPS
