EASTERN CAPE – Police in Gqeberha are warning residents to be wary of criminals posing as police officers and robbing them in their homes. This warning comes in the wake of a house robbery that took place in Marguirita Street in Lorraine early yesterday afternoon, 25 January 2022.

It is alleged that at approximately 12:15, the complainant (61) went outside after hearing his gate bell ringing. He noticed two men dressed in police uniform who informed him that are chasing after suspects that were seen jumping into his back yard. The complainant allowed them access into his premises. As the ‘policemen’ were walking towards the back yard, one of them went into the house. The complainant followed the ‘officer’ and was then attacked by him. A scuffle ensued between the suspect and the complainant. The second suspect also entered and pointed the complainant with a firearm. The wife (56) was also threatened. A third suspect dressed in a tracksuit also entered the property. The couple were tied up while they ransacked the house. The suspects fled with firearms, rifles, ammunition, Rolex watches, jewellery, cell phones and other goods with an estimated value of R500 000-00. The stolen items were packed into the complainant’s Ford Ranger LDV and driven away.

At about 15:30, the same day, the Ford Ranger was tracked and recovered in New Brighton. On seeing police, the suspects jumped out of the vehicle and ran away. None of the stolen property were recovered. The suspects are coloured males.

SAPS Kabega Park detectives are also investigating two cases where bogus police officers gained access to homes in Sherwood and Kabega Park in December 2021. In the Sherwood incident, the suspects were white males and in the Kabega Park one, the suspects were a white and coloured male.

Police are once again alerting residents to be extra vigilant and not to allow anyone on their premises unless they have summoned them. If anyone entering the premises, wearing a police uniform must be approached to produce a police appointment certificate which contains a picture of the said officer as well as his/her name and police ID no. Do not be complacent when one sees a blue shirt and pants and assume that is a member of the SAPS. Take a detail note of his/her apparel and appearance. Every police officer must have a name tag attached to his/her uniform.

Source: South African Police Service