http://citizen.co.za/361963/police-i...around-joburg/

Police impersonation has reportedly been a growing trend around Johannesburg.

Cosmo City resident Mpho Phaka said it was a worrying trend, as one could never be sure when they are stopped by a real or fake police officer, Northcliff Melville Times reported.

In January, a man was arrested for impersonating a police officer and for the possession of illegal substances in Boksburg, on Gauteng’s East Rand.

Video footage shows Sundowner resident James Starkey struggling with a man who claimed to be a police officer from Johannesburg Central.
“How do they get these uniforms?” questioned Raphata.

Raphata said there were rumours police could be colluding with criminals by selling their old uniform to them.

National police spokesperson Lieutenant-General Solomon Makgale said they have on many occasions highlighted their serious concerns regarding police collusion with criminals, and police officers offering their uniforms to criminals are certainly no exception.

“Since November 2013 to date, in Gauteng alone, we have arrested 21 police officers for aiding criminals that impersonate police officers,” added Makgale.