Search underway for ‘fake cops’ after Odendaalsrus man robbed R12k

Police have launched a manhunt after the Odendaalsurs man was kidnapped and robbed R12 700 on Wednesday, 2 March.

According to Lejweleputswa police spokesperson Stephen Thakeng, it is alleged that four unknown men pretending to be police officers, approached a 34-year-man pretending to be police officers and said that he has stolen a laptop.

Thakeng said the man was at his residence in K10 Kutloanong Odendaalsrus when a white Ford stopped in front of his gate with four occupants.

“He was kidnapped from home and robbed cash and released later with no injuries,” clarified Thakeng.

The bogus cops told the victim that there was a stolen laptop in his possession, which is alleged to have been stolen from the farm and a white female was raped and stabbed on scene.

One of them took out an appointment certificate card with a photo of a police officer.

“Then he opened the door because they told him he was under arrest for possession of stolen property. He was instructed to come with them to point where he sold the laptop,” Thakeng said.

The victim was further instructed to take his identity document and cellphone.

“They drove with him to the direction of Allanridge and made a U- turn towards the direction of Welkom and when they reached Number 5 Tshepong mine hostel, another U – turn was made towards Wesselsbron direction.

“The person sitting next to him said they must talk since he could see the victim is a good man. He told him he can afford R1500.

“They parked beside the road under the tree and asked him to open his Capitec Cellphone Application to see how much he has on the account. The driver took his phone and sent R12 700 cash to another person and deleted the transaction and gave the cellphone to the victim.

“Then they drove back with him and dropped him in Odendaalsrus CBD. The four African men drove off in the direction of Welkom.

He went straight to Odendaalsrus Police Station and a case of Kidnapping and Extortion was registered,” revealed Thakeng.

Residents are sternly warned to have the cellphone numbers of their Station Commanders or Community Service Centre numbers.

“So that when they are approached by people claiming to be Police officers, they must phone those numbers to confirm whether it’s real police or fake police,” warned Thakeng.

He further urged residents that at all times they must be vigilant and take not of the unknown car’s registration numbers, colour of the vehicle, as this will help the investigation team of the police.

“Should anyone have information leading to the arrests of these bogus cops, is urged to contact detective constable Ntesang Mokae of Provincial Organized Crimes Unit at cellphone number 069 196 1680 or Police Emergency number 08600 10111,” said Thakeng.