Motorists travelling the N3 are being cautioned to remain alert following reports of criminals posing as police officers and using blue lights to pull over unsuspecting drivers. The warning follows a recent armed robbery in which two suspects stopped a motorist just outside Estcourt, held him at gunpoint, and robbed him of his belongings before fleeing.
SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Basheer Khan confirmed that the incident occurred while the victim was travelling westbound from Durban to Johannesburg.
“It was reported that the motorist was driving from Durban to Johannesburg when a white van approached from behind and flashed blue lights. The complainant reportedly moved from the fast lane to the slow lane, and the other vehicle then drove parallel to theirs,” said Khan.
After the motorist complied and pulled over, the situation escalated. The suspects allegedly threatened him and a companion with firearms and seized their possessions. The registration number of the van and the identities of the perpetrators remain unknown.
“Investigations are underway to establish whether the suspects were police officers or criminals masquerading as police officers,” Khan added.
Although no injuries were reported, this is not the first such incident noted along the N3.
In February 2024, former Newcastle maxillofacial and oral surgeon Dr Jameel Desai was travelling near Vosloorus en route from Newcastle to Johannesburg when he was intercepted by five individuals, three of whom were dressed in police uniforms. The group used a white double cab fitted with blue lights to create the impression of a legitimate police stop.
Unlike the Estcourt motorist, Dr Desai was hijacked and subsequently kidnapped. While two perpetrators guarded him, the remaining suspects used his bank card to withdraw funds from an ATM. He was later found safe.
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Officials warn that criminals involved in these crimes often use multiple vehicles, uniforms, and official-looking equipment to create a convincing façade.
Motorists are urged to remain vigilant, verify the identity of officers before complying with instructions, and report any suspicious activity to local police stations or emergency services.
These incidents highlight the need for caution when travelling along busy corridors such as the N3, which has experienced several similar cases in recent years. Drivers are advised not to panic, but to remain aware, question unexpected stops, and seek verification where possible.
Community awareness also plays an important role. Reporting suspicious activity, sharing information with others, and staying informed about crime trends can assist in reducing vulnerability while supporting law enforcement efforts to make South Africa’s roads safer.
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