The faux Po-Po

 

I received the following notice from the Consulate General of the United States of America:

Johannesburg, South Africa Security Message for U.S. Citizens – Fake Police Vehicle
July 30, 2013

U.S. citizens residing in Johannesburg are advised that there is a cloned South African Police Services (SAPS) vehicle masquerading as an official SAPS vehicle. Golf 6 GTI Reg Number: BSF 079 B The call sign on the car is RR1117. This call sign belongs to a Soweto Flying Squad Vehicle, which is a Ford Focus ST. A white Golf 2 with a registration plate starting with CX accompanies this vehicle. The occupants of these vehicles are armed with R5 and 9mm weapons. They were involved in a hijacking in Monument Park West on July 25. They were previously linked to an armed robbery in Centurion. Should a U.S. citizen see the vehicle, please contact SAPS at 10111 immediately to report the location. If you encounter this cloned police vehicle, slow down, turn on the emergency lights and proceed to the nearest public space (police or petrol station or other well-populated locale) before stopping and cooperating with the police. _________________________________________________________________________________________ The private security sector is an unbelievably huge industry in SA. One reason for that is the high crime rate. I was taken back by how most homes in Joburg are equipped with security defenses that rival medieval castles: high walls, electrical fencing, thorny metal wiring, infrared technology, and 24 hour surveillance by private security companies with armed guards. Another reason for the strong presence of private security, per common perception and personal anecdotes a handful of locals have recounted, is the unreliable police force and response. I actually heard a caller on a morning radio show a week plus ago who was telling the host about a fake police car driving around his neighborhood. I suppose the U.S. Consulate finally caught wind of this. I've never had to think about whether or not I could trust the public protector. I've been taught from such a young age that if any emergencies happen, I should dial 911. I didn't realize until now how much I've taken for granted the functionality of a public protection services. When I first got here, I asked the locals about the emergency number. They gave me half-hearted responses about dialing the emergency number. (By the way, it's 10111 in SA, which seems a bit cumbersome to me.) I hope that I will have no reasons to dial it or that I will not have a run in with the faux Po-Po.