FREE STATE – A 52 year old suspect was arrested in Bloemfontein yesterday, 24 May 2022 by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team together with K9 Unit all based in Bloemfontein.

His arrest came after the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team received information on Wednesday, 11 May 2022 about the suspect who is pretending to be a Brigadier at Hawks’ Serious Corruption. It is alleged that the suspect fraudulently made use of Dog Unit where he intended to search the premises of one of the people who tipped off the Police. He told the owner that the search is in relation to drug information. The owner of the premises during the search demanded the search warrant from the bogus police officer which he failed to produce.  During the arrest, police seized 10 firearms including old Police uniform. Further investigation revealed that the suspect fraudulently joined Trots Pellissier organisation, a residential forum which he also told its members that he is a police officer. It was also discovered that the suspect was a police official and he resigned in 1993.

The Hawks’ are also calling the Free State community to come forward with information that can also assist with the ongoing investigation of people who impersonate police officers including those who might have been robbed by the suspect or their premises where searched unlawfully by the bogus police officer to contact Investigating Officer Captain Chop Putter on 082 784 4188.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Source: South African Police Service