Three men were arrested in Kimberley after they were found in the possession of uniforms, rank insignia, and equipment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) as well as three illegal firearms.
Col Cherelle Ehlers of the police’s Northern Cape Media Centre, said they received information on Wednesday, 17 April, at approximately 17:00, regarding an alleged meeting to plan robberies in the Kimberley area.
The information was operationalised and members of the Provincial Organised Crime and Multi-Dimensional Crime Intelligence teams, Kimberley K9 unit, and Kimberley Flying Squad led the action.
The identified residence in Galeshewe was raided, and three suspects were arrested after they were found in the possession of the uniforms, rank insignia, equipment, and three illegal firearms.
The trio, aged 29, 34 and 54 years, were arrested on charges of possession of suspected stolen goods and illegal possession of firearms. They will appear in court soon.
Ehlers said the possible connection to related crimes will be investigated.
The Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lt Gen. Koliswa Otola, commended the team for their vigilance and prevention of the commission of potential serious and violent crimes.
She encouraged the public to use the “Rate-our-service” online survey to comment of the conduct of the police.