As South Africans try to come to grips with the lockdown, many losing their main source of income, the criminal world is attempting to adapt to the situation.
This follows the arrest of three suspects in Mpumalanga on Monday, April 27. The three individuals had attempted to use the COVID-19 pandemic as a ploy to cover their dastardly deeds.
According to a statement issued by the police, a team of police officials received information about two vehicles which were branded with COVID-19 insignia; allegedly participating in criminal activities.
Following up on the information, the officers noticed a VW Polo Sedan as well as a Toyota Hilux Bakkie, which both matched the description given.
“Upon stopping the said vehicles, police found three occupants pretending to be COVID-19 officials on deployment. They then found fake permits inside and further discovered that the suspects were attempting to cross the border with the intention to collect dagga from a neighbouring country,” said Brigadier Leonard Hlathi.
The suspects were then arrested. Brigadier Hlathi says they were charged with Contravention of the Disaster Management Regulations. This is because they moved between provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The vehicles were confiscated for further investigation.
The trio is expected to appear at the Chief Albert Luthuli Magistrate’s Court.
Brigadier Hlathi says police cannot rule out the possibility of adding charges relating to fraud as they impersonated COVID-19 officials.
The management of the SAPS has welcomed the arrest of the three. SAPS management is also issuing a stern warning to those wanting to take chances during the lockdown. They state that law enforcement agencies will deal decisively with them if caught.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, has commended the police. Describing their astuteness to see past the ploy as magnificent.
