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A dream South African vacation turned into a nightmare for a Canadian family after they were abducted and robbed at gunpoint by fake police officers in Mpumalanga. The horrific crime cut their holiday short, leaving the victims traumatized.
The family of five was driving near the Mbombela High Court on January 6 when a Ford Ranger with flashing blue lights pulled them over, according to police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli. Four armed men dressed as cops approached the family’s Toyota Fortuner.
“The occupants of the bakkie flashed the blue lights and cornered the victims, who were held at gunpoint,” Mdhluli stated.
The bogus cops demanded the tourists’ belongings and drove them to various ATMs to withdraw cash. By stealing their banking PINs, the robbers were able to drain the victims’ accounts of an undisclosed sum.
The fake officers took phones, jewellery, cash and bank cards from the terrified family. They eventually abandoned the victims in Masoyi outside Nelspruit.
The Canadian family had arrived in South Africa on December 28 for a post-Christmas vacation. They visited Mount Kilimanjaro before the January 6 ambush cut their trip short.
“What was meant to be a relaxing holiday was quickly cut short after they were allegedly abducted by men dressed in police uniforms and robbed,” Mdhluli remarked.
No arrests have been made. Police urge citizens to help identify the fake cop attackers.
“Anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the suspect can call Detective Colonel Thami Mkhaliphi on 082 469 2431. Alternatively, members of the public can call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via the MYSAPS app.
The traumatized tourists fled South Africa the day after the incident.
This brazen crime involving elaborate police impersonation has shocked locals. Officers warn residents to be vigilant of vehicles with flashing blue lights, especially at night. The hunt continues for the fake cops who turned a family’s vacation into a terrifying robbery at gunpoint.
