Nelspruit – Three suspects aged between 31 and 35 were arrested at Ekulindeni in the early hours of today, 27 April 2020 for using COVID-19 to cover their ploy.
According to the report, a team of police officials received information about two vehicles which were branded with COVID-19 insignia allegedly participating in criminal activities. They (police) followed up on the information and 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.
The suspects were then arrested and charged with Contravention of the Disaster Management Regulations as they also moved between provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The vehicles were confiscated for further investigation.
The management of the SAPS has welcomed the arrest of the three and have sent a stern warning to those who think they will take chances during this Lockdown period that law enforcement agencies will deal decisively with them. Meanwhile, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, has indicated that the trick by the suspects of using COVID-19 insignia on their vehicles to covert criminal activities, did not come to pass as the astuteness of the police was magnificent.
Meanwhile, the trio is expected to appear at the Chief Albert Luthuli Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Tuesday 28 April 2020. Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding charges relating to fraud as they impersonated Covid-19 officials.
