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The police in Mokopane are investigating a case of robbery after a 68-year-old woman was allegedly robbed by suspects posing as police officers.
The incident took place on Tuesday around 10:00 at the corner of Thabo Mbeki and Retief Streets in Mokopane.
Col. Malesela Ledwaba, police spokesperson in Limpopo, says the woman was approached by unknown suspects who pretended to be police officers. During the interaction, the suspects apparently applied an unknown substance to the woman, after which she became disoriented.
“The victim was then driven away in a vehicle under false pretenses and forced to hand over cash, her bank card and PIN.”
The suspects later dropped her off a short distance from her home. Unauthorized transactions were then made with her bank card. The total amount stolen is estimated at R8 300.
The suspects are still unknown and the investigation continues.
Lt. Gen. Thembi Hadebe, provincial police commissioner in Limpopo, strongly condemned the incident and warned the public against criminals posing as police officers.
“Criminals are increasingly using deceptive tactics, including impersonating police officers and using unknown substances to disorient victims. Members of the public are urged to be vigilant and never hand over money, bank cards or PIN codes to anyone. Legitimate police officers will never request such items.”
Hadebe says people should always verify the identity of any person claiming to be a police officer, and should avoid getting into vehicles with unknown persons.