Retired cop appears in court for impersonating as Hawks Brigadier

A 52-year-old bogus police official was arrested in Bloemfontein yesterday, 24 May by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team together with K9 Unit.

The suspect made a brief appearance before the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court for allegedly impersonating himself as a cop.

The suspect, who is believed to have long retired from the law enforcement, has been impersonating himself as a Hawks Brigadier, with an attempt to rob people off their belongings.

Free State Hawks spokesperson captain Christopher Singo, said the Hawks received a tip-off on Wednesday, 11 May about the suspect who is pretending to be a Brigadier at Hawks’ Serious Corruption.

It is alleged that the suspect fraudulently made use of dog unit where he intended to search the premises of one of the people who tipped off the police.

“He told the owner that the search is in relation to drug information. The owner of the premises during the search demanded the search warrant from the bogus police officer which he failed to produce,” Singo said.

“During the arrest, police seized 10 A rifle firearms including old Police uniform.

“Further investigation revealed that the suspect fraudulently joined Trots Pellissier organisation, a residential forum which he also told its members that he is a police officer.

It was also discovered that the suspect was a police official and he resigned in 1993,” he added.

The Hawks have called on the community to come forward with information that can also assist with the ongoing investigation of people who impersonate police officers including those who might have been robbed by the suspect or their premises where searched unlawfully by the bogus police officer to contact investigating officer captain Chop Putter on 082 ‪784 4188‬.