Task team to address blue light crimes

Image courtesy of Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

In a statement on Monday, 21 October 2013, National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega said the South African Police Service (SAPS) had seen this trend resurfacing in Gauteng in recent months.

In some cases, business people travelling with cash are robbed on their way to or from the bank, while in other cases people are followed and then robbed while travelling from the airport to their respective destinations.

"These robberies, the modus operandi in particular, is of huge concern for me and I have set up a multi-disciplinary team comprising members from detectives, visible (uniform) policing and crime intelligence, as well as a retired detective, under the leadership of Divisional Commissioner: Detectives; Lieutenant-General Vineshkumar Moonoo. Thus far, there are about 250 dockets which are being followed up," said Phiyega.

Police in their investigations have managed to establish that there are various groups which collude with hotel staff, meter taxi drivers and - in certain instances - with the police. The role of police officers is found to be either direct physical involvement or the supply of items such as uniforms, blue lights or firearms.

In recent weeks, detectives interacted with victims and further analysed the cases to get a better understanding of the modus operandi as well as the people possibly involved. Indications so far are that the crimes were opportunistic in nature.

According to the police, the majority of incidents happen at night in poorly lit areas.

"Members of the public who find themselves stopped by a private vehicle fitted with blue lights in such areas are advised to slow down, continue driving to a well-lit area or to the nearest police station," said the police.

The use of blue lights was another bug-bear for the police.

"Our police officers have the power to stop and search any motorist they suspect may have committed or are in the process of committing a crime. Also should motorists be found in possession of any law enforcement paraphernalia they can, in addition to them being charged in terms of the other governing laws, like the National Road Traffic Act, be charged with impersonating a police officer."

The South African Police Service Act is in the process of being amended. It will include new regulations in the SAPS Act to guide the possession and use of blue lights going forward.