The victims are being robbed on the N3 near Grootvlei as well as on the N12 near Delmans by ‘cops’.
Mpumalanga cops have warned the public to be aware of men pretending to be cops as the crime continues to occur on the province’s highways.
“On numerous occasions, the office of the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga has issued warnings to motorists to be vigilant concerning this modus operandi where some victims were unfortunately hijacked and others robbed of their belongings,” police spokesman Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said in a statement.
Hlathi said three suspects were arrested this week in connection with a spate of robberies in the province.
The men, termed the “Blue Light Gang”, were travelling in cars fitted with police blue lights.
They are due to appear before the Balfour Magistrates Court this week Friday 30 July 2021.
Hlathi said just recently they had another victim being shot and killed by pseudo cops during a hijacking on the R50 Road between Delmas and Bronkhorspruit.
He said the 3 suspects who are now charged with fraud and impersonating police officers were spotted along the N3 near Grootvlei driving in a white Toyota Legend 45 Double Cab bakkie when they were stopped and searched.
Police believe the evidence they found would assist in the victory against the crime.
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“The occupants could not provide a proper explanation for owning the equipment and while police continued searching, they also landed their hands on a toy gun as well as some medication and other items that are suspected to have been stolen,” Hlathi said.
Newly appointed Mpumalanga police boss Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela welcomed the arrests.
(edited by MGB)
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