Criminals impersonate cops in face masks

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



Criminals are now using police face masks to impersonate police officers and further their criminal activities.

The police have warned the public against these individuals who are impersonating police officers by wearing face masks bearing the police emblem and engaging in criminal activities.

The chief police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, said the use of the police logo by anyone who is not a police officer or in the employment of the police forbidden.

“People impersonating police officers use a combination of techniques, including the wearing of police clothing or uniform, which may include a badge, ID, button or anything worn by police officers.”

Shikwambi said during the ongoing fight against the coronavirus pandemic some people reportedly wore face masks imprinted with the police logo and conducted illegal activities.

“Such practices are dishonest and therefore discouraged.”

She said the police have also learnt that there are private tailors or businesses that are producing and selling face masks imprinted with the police emblem to the public, adding that this practice is strongly discouraged.

“The Namibian Police Force wishes to warn the public against criminals who would approach them claiming to be police officers by a mere identification or display of a police face mask and subsequently rob them of their properties.”

Shikwambi said the appropriate form of identification by a police officer is through producing their appointment certificate, being in full uniform, or both. According to her businesses specialising in tailoring are also strictly advised not to sell face masks imprinted with the police logo, as it is not allowed.