A well-known Polokwane businessperson who resides at an upmarket security village was taken captive, forced to give his capturers, who were apparently posing as police officials, access to his home and robbed last Wednesday afternoon.
According to Polokwane police spokesperson, Capt Mohlaka Mashiane, the victim was reportedly approached late afternoon by four men dressed in police uniform. They apparently identified themselves, with identification cards, as police officials. The four men seemingly forced their way into the victim’s white BMW and, at gunpoint, forced him to drive to the security village and gain access with his access card. Once inside the village, they proceeded to the victim’s home where they proceeded to help themselves to undisclosed items, including cash. The four suspects then forced the victim to drive them out of the security village after which they made him exit his vehicle and drove off with it, Mashiane confirmed. “The vehicle has since been recovered although no arrests have been made as yet.”
Mashiane further said an in depth investigation into the incident is in progress. Anyone with information is requested to contact their nearest police station.
Members of the community are now extremely worried following this incident. Polokwane Chamber of Business (PCOB) president, Mr Mokone du Preez, says he has been overwhelmed with calls from concerned residents and business owners. “How do we know when we must stop for a police official and when we mustn’t?” they all want to know. There is no easy answer to this, although Du Preez says he will definitely investigate the matter and discuss it at the next safety and security forum meeting.
Asked how people can trust police officials when such incidents occur in broad daylight, Mashiane had no easy answer. “Should you be in the situation where a police official/s approaches you and you feel threatened or unsure of his or her identity, it is your right to proceed to the nearest police station or to contact your sector manager or call 10111 (015 292 9450 on your cell phone).”
But then again, Mokone points out, a police official may shoot should you fail to follow his or her instructions. “It’s a catch 22 situation for which we need to find a solution very quickly.”
In the meantime security villages in Polokwane are improving their security measures. “But not even the best security in the world is going to prevent someone from getting in when he has a resident hostage,” one security complex chairperson pointed out.
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