By: Natasha Archary

Two men have been arrested for impersonating South African Police Service (SAPS) officers in Houghton, Johannesburg.
The pair, aged 43 and 49 were arrested on Wednesday, 01 November for allegedly posing as SAPS officers and extorting “protection fees” from business owners in and around Johannesburg.
Police found two firearms, one unlicensed and the other a replica, in the pair’s possession. Balaclavas, mulitiple cellphones and R16 000, which was obtained illegally, were also seized.
“The SAPS National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team working closely with JMPD and a private security company have been keeping the pair under observation for the past 2-weeks.
One of the suspects was found to be in possession of a SAPS appointment card. Preliminary investigations have revealed that both imposters are not in the employ of SAPS.
The pair is expected to make their first appearance at the Johannesburg Central Magistrates Court on Friday 03 November.
Bot face charges of impersonating a police officer and being in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.”
Impersonating a police officer is a serious crime.
National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola said operations to clamp down on crime during the festive season will intensify.
“We are intensifying our safer festive operations and our 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 wrongdoings so that we are able to make our communities safe.”
National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola
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