POLOKWANE – The 27-year-old suspect, Helly Mathebula arrested by the police in Hoopdal near Thabazimbi for allegedly impersonating a police officer in Skierlik village has today, Friday 21 May 2021 appeared in the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court.
He is facing charges of impersonating a police officer, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen properties and driving under the influence of liquor. He was granted R1000-00 bail and his cases were postponed to 06 July 2021 for further police investigations. All the cases against the four suspects were withdrawn.
The arrest of the suspect comes after police received a tip-off about the suspects who were masquerading as police officers at a local tavern and one of them armed with a firearm and wearing a police reflector jacket. They swiftly responded and five suspects were cornered and arrested while trying to flee from the scene in a VW Polo.
Police searched the vehicle and confiscated one (01) x SAPS bullet proof vest, one (01) x SAPS summer pair of trousers, two( 02) x Constable rank structures, one (01) x police belt, 9mm pistol, one magazine, 08 rifle live ammunition, one reflector jacket and a motor vehicle.
The suspect will still be profiled to determine if he was previously involved in any other crimes. The origin of the recovered items will also be revealed by the ongoing police investigations.
Source: South African Police Service