Johannesburg - Quick thinking and bravery by a biker has led to the arrest of a gang masquerading as police officers and targeting old people after they withdraw cash from banks.
The gang of three had just robbed an elderly woman in Krugersdorp when they were arrested on Friday.
When the police searched their car, they found a firearm that had been used in the robbery as well as the woman’s bag. Gauteng traffic police reflector vests and a cap were also found.
However, when the suspects were asked if they were police officers, they could not confirm this and they were unable to produce appointment cards.
The police believe the two men and the woman visited various banks looking for elderly people.
The woman would
go into the bank. When she saw an elderly person withdrawing cash, she would alert her accomplices, and together they would follow their unfortunate victim.
On Friday, a 65-year-old woman was driving home after withdrawing money to pay her staff when she noticed a black VW Golf behind her.
Sergeant Tshepi Mashale, spokeswoman for the Krugersdorp police, said one of the men got out of the VW and grabbed the elderly woman’s bag as she parked.
“She was screaming and fighting for her bag, when the other man fired a shot in the air to scare her. She let go of the bag,” she said.
The three sped off, leaving the hysterical woman crying on the side of the road.
Mashale said a man on a motorbike who was driving past witnessed the inci-dent and gave chase. He also alerted police officers.
The police too gave chase and called for back-up, and the car was finally cornered.
The three were due to appear in the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The Star