THE Anti-Kidnapping task team and JMPD arrested two fake cops on Wednesday, 1 November.
Police spokeswoman Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said two imposters were arrested in Houghton, Joburg, for impersonating police officers.
"The pair, aged between 43 and 49, were found in possession of two firearms, one unlicenced and the other a replica," she said.
Mathe said the Police National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, working closely with JMPD and a private security company, has been keeping observation on the pair for the past two weeks as it's alleged that the two have been posing as police officers and extorting "protection fees" from business owners in and around Johannesburg.
She said they found in their possession R16 000 that is suspected to have been obtained illegally, balaclavas and multiple cellphones.
ALSO READ| Shock as crowd sets dogs on a cop!
"One of the suspects was found to be in possession of a Police appointment card, and preliminary investigations have revealed that the SAPS does not employ both imposters," Mathe said.
She said the pair is expected to make their first appearance on Friday, 3 November, before the Joburg Central Magistrates Court on charges of impersonating a police officer and having unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
General Fannie Masemola, National police commissioner, said it's a serious crime to impersonate a police officer.
"We are intensifying our safer festive and high-density operations under Operation Shanela. Criminals don't have anywhere to hide. Our intelligence is at work. We urge our communities to continue to report wrongdoing so that we can collectively make our communities safe," said Masemola.
