SowetanLive reports that two women aged 50 and 55, who were allegedly involved in a fraudulent scheme while posing as members of the SA Police Service (SAPS), were arrested in Diepkloof, Soweto last Thursday for extortion and impersonating police officers.

Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the tactical response unit followed up on a tip-off from an e-hailing driver who initially contacted metro police to inquire about alleged recruitment drives in the SAPS. According to the driver, a woman claiming to be a captain from the Hawks had contacted him, stating she could facilitate his application for a police job if he met specific requirements, including possessing a matric certificate and a driver's licence. “The suspect demanded an upfront payment of R8,000 in cash and instructed the victim to come alone to the Diepkloof police station. Recognising the potential danger of this situation, the officers co-ordinated with the victim and proceeded to the location,” Fihla reported. When they arrived, three women approached the victim's vehicle and led him to an office in the Diepkloof police station. It became evident fraudulent activities were under way when the suspects, with the victim, went to Diepkloof Square to withdraw funds from the victim’s account. The suspects were then taken into custody. It was later revealed one of the suspects was also a victim who had previously paid R7,000 hoping to secure employment with the police and she was released.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Phathu Luvhengo at SowetanLive

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