Cape Town - A Kensington family was left traumatised after they were robbed by sophisticated suspects pretending to be police officers.
A family member who spoke to the Cape Times on condition of anonymity, said he received a call that his mother’s home was being robbed on Monday night.
“When I arrived, I could not believe what they had to say. A group of criminals equipped with police uniforms, firearms, two marked bakkies and an unmarked 2016 Hyundai Elantra had robbed my family home in Kensington.
This was such a well orchestrated robbery, one would think it’s from a movie scene. The two marked bakkies cordoned off the road.
“The unmarked vehicle parked in front of the house – all with blue lights and sirens wailing.
“My brother who was at the gate was very suspicious but when he tried probing for more information, the criminals all reached for their pistols – at this point he opened the gate fearing for our family’s safety.
“They then proceeded to ransack both our house and our tenants of any valuables they could find. At this point my mom seized the opportunity to call for help on the landline, which she had hidden under a pillow.
The real SAPS and metro police later showed up. They could not believe the story,” he said.
Police spokesperson sergeant Wesley Twigg said police are investigating a case of house robbery.
“Unknown suspects pretending to be police officers entered the premises and robbed the occupants of the house. The suspects fled the scene with electronic equipment, cellphones and an undisclosed amount of cash.
We can confirm that no shots were fired and no injuries were reported,” he said.
Kensington Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Cheslyn Steenberg called for the community to be vigilant.
“The Kensington CPF is distressed by what was reported to the Kensington SAPS late on Monday evening.
It is alleged that individuals impersonating police officers visited a house in Kensington and robbed the resident, who also runs a business from his home, of thousands of rand.
“This crime shocked the entire community. Once again it forces us all to be on high alert, as we don’t know when or how crime can target innocent, hard-working people.
“This crime illustrates that criminals are watching and waiting for any opportunities that may arise – and for that reason the community is urged to not keep huge amounts of cash or valuable items at home.
Also, review who you give access to in your home and business premises.”
Anyone with information can anonymously contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or SMS Crime Line on 32211.
Cape Times