A traffic cop and two of his pals are expected to appear in court on Monday after they allegedly pretended to be spietkops and staged a fake
roadblock to bribe motorists.
They were busted when a member of the public became suspicious and alerted police.
On Thursday just after 9pm, the driver noticed the trio sitting in two unmarked vehicles - a white Toyota Avanza and a VW Polo - along Lansdowne Road, Nyanga, near Browns Farm.
Police say they were dressed in full uniform, while the traffic warden had a trunk radio and his appointment card on him.
EVIDENCE: Traffic cop uniforms and radio. Photo: Supplied
It’s alleged the warden provided his friends with the uniforms, including a bulletproof vest.
The three began stopping cars, but a suspicious motorist smelt a rat due to the unmarked vehicles and alerted a cop who was spotted in the area.
The officer investigated and the suspects were taken to Nyanga Police Station where they were detained.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security and Social Services, JP Smith, says the traffic warden has been suspended.
DISAPPOINTED: City's safety boss JP Smith. Photo: Supplied
“I was very disappointed to learn of the arrest of a City of Cape Town traffic warden in Nyanga,” says Smith.
“The warden and two accomplices apparently impersonated Law Enforcement personnel by staging a fake vehicle checkpoint in the area.
“They were rounded up by SAPS at about 9.30pm.
“The motive is not clear, although I’m sure it will emerge as the investigations continue.
“The warden was off duty at the time and was using his private vehicle, but he had Traffic Department equipment in his possession including a trunk radio and his appointment card.
“His accomplices were dressed in traffic uniform, too.
“While the SAPS will conduct a criminal investigation, the City’s SSIU will proceed with an investigation into the member and his conduct.”
Smith says the City strives hard to create a good relationship with the public and condemned skelme officials.
“Acts like these simply serve to undermine our efforts and we will not
tolerate it.”
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel André Traut, says the three have been charged with impersonating a traffic officer and are still in custody.
“The suspects were conducting an illegal roadblock with the possible intention to collect bribe money from motorists, when they were confronted by SAPS,” says Traut.
“One of the suspects is a traffic warden and supplied the other two with his uniform.
“All three have been detained and are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court on Monday.”