The KwaZulu-Natal police have raised the alarm about criminals impersonating police officers to carry out house robberies and other crimes.
The warning comes from the Office of the Provincial Commissioner following incidents in KwaMashu, with authorities urging the public to remain vigilant and verify the identity of anyone claiming to be part of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The police revealed that a syndicate, typically comprising two to four suspects, has been entering homes under the pretense of searching for firearms. “The suspects usually wear different pieces of police uniform, such as a bulletproof vest, a police cap, a mask, or a raincoat. Once they are inside the premises, they point firearms at the occupants, while others ransack the house before fleeing,” police said.
Police said that in a recent incident in KwaMashu, two men who claimed to be detectives held a 36-year-old woman at gunpoint inside her home. “She was forced to open all the rooms of her house before they were all locked in the master bedroom,” the police reported. “Four cellphones and cash were taken before the suspects fled the scene.”
Crime expert Chad Thomas from IRS Investigation warned that impersonation is not the only issue. “Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in criminals impersonating police officials,” Thomas said. “But the greater concern is actual police officers working with organised criminals in carrying out crimes using police equipment and uniforms.”
Thomas said members of the public should try to seek help if they encounter such a situation. “The advice is always to drive to the nearest police station, or petrol station, or a well-lit area; however, if it’s criminals or trigger-happy cops, you may end up worse for wear if you don’t stop.”
On whether SAPS has the capacity to combat this organised trend, Thomas said: “SAPS is trying. The minister is victim-centric and has shown that he cares. But with the constant infighting and mudslinging among generals vying for the top posts, the message to police on the frontline is that their leadership is more focused on empire-building than leading the fight against crime.”
The eThekwini district chairperson for the South African Police Board, Aiden David, said the impersonation of officers affects various sectors, including freight. “Even long-distance truck drivers are becoming victims of people pretending to be police officials,” he said.
David stressed that every legitimate officer should be able to prove their identity. “Every police officer must have their name on the right-hand side of the uniform and produce their appointment card on request. It must be carried on them at all times.”
KZN violence monitor Mary de Haas said the impersonation of police officers has been a long-standing problem. “People must always demand the police appointment certificate, even if they’re in uniform,” she said. “I’ve even had it at roadblocks, where people claiming to be police run operations but act resentfully when asked for identification.”
According to de Haas, poor recordkeeping allows for uniforms and equipment to be misused. “There should be a system in place to track police uniforms and ensure they’re returned when someone leaves the force. But I don’t know if that exists.” She added that crime intelligence has become dysfunctional. “There’s supposed to be a system to pick this up; police informers are meant to report such activities. But last year, there was no money to pay them, and that’s because funds were being siphoned into corruption.”
De Haas believes communities must push for proper oversight and access to local stations. “Every person needs a working cell number for their local police station. Community Police Forums should include respected, honest people like high school teachers or ministers, not corrupt councillors with ties to criminal networks.”