A 20-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly impersonating a police officer and illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition following an intelligence-driven operation in the Bluegumbosch area on Tuesday.
Members of Phuthaditjhaba Crime Intelligence, supported by Public Order Police, conducted the operation at approximately 10:00 on 10 February 2026. Authorities acted on information regarding a suspect who was reportedly posing as a police officer and unlawfully in possession of a firearm.
According to police, the suspect was located at a local tavern and was escorted to his residence, where a search was conducted. Officers recovered several items, including a police winter jacket, SAPS field dress trousers, constable insignia, police socks, a holster, a police belt, an appointment certificate, ammunition, a replica firearm, and police training modules.
The suspect was unable to provide details of the police station where he claimed to be stationed. He later admitted he was not a police officer and stated he had stolen the uniform from a relative who is a police official.
Neighbours expressed shock at the arrest, stating they knew the individual as a police officer stationed in Harrismith.
The suspect has been charged with possession of suspected stolen property, impersonating a police officer, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He is expected to appear before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 12 February 2026.