Nine suspects are expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court this morning on possible of charges of fraud, corruption, defeating the ends of justice, robbery and theft.
This brings to 15 the number of people arrested since 20 October 2013. The arrest follows the decision to intensify investigations into crimes committed by police members or people impersonating police officials.
"I wish to congratulate the team, ably led by Divisional Commissioner for Detectives Lieutenant General Vinesh Moonoo, for this great success. It is one of the many clear demonstrations of what can be achieved when the police and the communities work together," said General Riah Phiyega, South African Police Service National Commissioner.
On 20 October 2013, six suspects approached a business owner at a warehouse in the East Rand where they produced a Custom search warrant. During the discussion, the business owners became suspicious and one of them managed to secretly call the police who reacted swiftly.
The police found that the search warrant was a fake and arrested the suspects, three South African Revenue Services (SARS) officials; two South African Police Service’s (SAPS) members and a civilian were immediately arrested. All six suspects are currently in prison awaiting trial.
Further investigations were conducted and the police managed to establish that there was another group using the same method of operation. This led to the arrest of nine suspects; seven of them work for SARS and two for SAPS.
All nine suspects were arrested in the Randburg, Hammanskraal, Edenvale and Johannesburg Central areas.
The suspects allegedly accessed the homes and businesses of their victims, mainly foreign nationals who generally keep large sums of cash either at home or business premises, by using false search warrants, allegedly created by SARS officials. Once inside, they would rob the occupants of cash and jewellery. In one instance, the suspects allegedly stole ammunition that matched the calibre of the firearms they were carrying.
During these arrests, the detectives recovered blank search warrants. SAPS and SARS are working together on the investigations.
Media enquiries:
Lieutenant General S M Makgale
Tel: 012 393 2940/ 2630
Cell: 082 778 3718
E-mail: MakgaleSolomon@saps.gov.za
