Three suspects impersonating police officials have been arrested near the Route 21 office park in Irene late on Wednesday afternoon.
Members of the Lyttelton SAPS under cover unit were patrolling crime hot spot areas when they spotted a white Toyota Carolla stopped on the side of the road with three African men, one of them was searching a person standing on the side of the road.
The members immediately recognized the situation as a potential robbery. One of the members exited the police vehicle and tactically approached the suspects and the Toyota Carolla. The suspects were still busy trying to rob the victim of his money and cell phone, when they were suddenly surrounded by the real men and woman in blue.
The three suspects were secured and searched, whilst waiting for additional back up from other SAPS members. A private security company also stopped to assist, once the other police members arrived the vehicle was searched.
During the search a number of fake cell phones and envelopes were discovered as well as cash and a cell phone belonging to the victim. There were several cell phones hidden in the vehicle that the suspects could not account for.
From preliminary investigation it was established that at least one of the suspects had previously been arrested in the Lyttelton Policing area for exactly the same crime. The detective services will be linking these suspects with a number of similar cases that have been reported recently.
The management of Lyttelton SAPS would like to thank the members who were involved in the arrest of the suspects and once again let our community know that we have loyal and dedicated members who are willing to put thier lives on the line to save yours.
Compiled by:
Lt Col Dave Miller
Operational commander
Lyttelton SAPS
