News / National
Residents arrest bogus cop demanding US$1 bribe
26 Jan 2021 at 01:49hrs | Views
A BULAWAYO man was Saturday arrested by members of the public after impersonating a police officer.
The suspect is alleged to have approached a victim at corner Fort Street and 10th Avenue and identified himself as a police officer before demanding US$1 from him.
However, members of the public nearby became suspicious and made a citizen arrest after the unidentified suspect failed to give a satisfactory response.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and advised the public to ask for identification from anyone claiming to be a police officer.
"In a case of impersonation which occurred in Bulawayo on the 23/01/21 at around 1530 hrs, a man (27) approached a victim (29) at corner Fort Street and 10th Avenue. The suspect identified himself as a policeman and demanded US$1 from him before he was arrested by a mob and handed to the police," said Nyathi.
"Members of the public must ask for identification from anyone claiming to be a police officer to avoid being duped. Members of the public must demand to be taken to the nearest police station or verify with stations' command, if in doubt."
The suspect is alleged to have approached a victim at corner Fort Street and 10th Avenue and identified himself as a police officer before demanding US$1 from him.
However, members of the public nearby became suspicious and made a citizen arrest after the unidentified suspect failed to give a satisfactory response.
"In a case of impersonation which occurred in Bulawayo on the 23/01/21 at around 1530 hrs, a man (27) approached a victim (29) at corner Fort Street and 10th Avenue. The suspect identified himself as a policeman and demanded US$1 from him before he was arrested by a mob and handed to the police," said Nyathi.
"Members of the public must ask for identification from anyone claiming to be a police officer to avoid being duped. Members of the public must demand to be taken to the nearest police station or verify with stations' command, if in doubt."
Source - newzimbabwe
