Erongo police regional commander for community affairs, Inspector Ileni Shapumba has called on the public to be vigilant as criminals are impersonating police officers.

This follows an incident on Monday, in which a suspect was shot while impersonating a police officer at Swakopmund.

Shapumba in an interview with Nampa on Wednesday said criminals have seen a gap in opportunities to scam people and are impersonating police officers to get people to buy into their dishonest suggestions.

“In most cases people are conned to buy employment, driving licences and even police dockets by scammers. These are not safe or honest practices and therefore not legal processes. We do not facilitate payments to be made to individuals. Bail money in any amount authorised by the court is to be paid at court during working hours or at the police station where a person should be given proof of payment to that effect,” he said.

He added that community members should assist NamPol in fighting crime and protect their resources by refusing to fall prey to unsuspecting robbers or scammers.

Shapumba said the public should report all suspected scams or illegal activities to the police for action, warning that those who continue to scam people should expect to be arrested.

NamPol on Monday shot one of two suspects that reportedly wanted to scam a doctor by pretending to be police officers at Swakopmund. The suspects were arrested and police investigations continue.

Source: Namibia Press Agency