By Everson Luhanga
Two women pretending to be police officers and running a job scam in one of the offices inside the Diepkloof police station were arrested on Thursday.
The pair tricked unsuspecting victims into paying money for fake police jobs. They would arrange for victims to meet them in the office at the Diepkloof police station in Soweto.
They were arrested by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) after a tip-off from an e-hailing driver.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Xolani Fihla said members of the Tactical Response Unit arrested two female suspects, aged 50 and 55, pretending to be police officers.
“The driver initially reached out to the JMPD to inquire about alleged recruitment drives within SAPS.
“Upon verification through official channels, it was confirmed that no such recruitment was occurring. The driver told the officers that a woman claiming to be a captain from the Hawks had contacted him, saying she could facilitate his application for a police job if he met specific requirements, including possessing a matric certificate and a driver’s licence,” said Fihla.
He said the suspect demanded an upfront payment of R8,000 in cash and instructed the victim to come alone to the Diepkloof SAPS.
Fihla said when the victim arrived at the police station, he was met by three women and taken into an office.
He said after some time, the suspects took the victim and drove to Diepkloof Square to withdraw money. Police approached and arrested them at the scene.
Fihla added that the third suspect was released after she confessed that she had also paid R7,000 to the two women.
They are charged with impersonating police officers and demanding money in exchange for police jobs.
The JMPD urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or solicitations that may seem fraudulent, especially those involving recruitment within law enforcement.
Pictured above: The two women arrested for impersonating police officers and extortion in Soweto.
Source: JMPD
