The South African Police Service is investigating a woman on Facebook who is pretending to be a police officer.

The woman, who identifies herself as Khosi Thomson, appears to have been impersonating an officer for years, with numerous pictures of herself posing in a uniform similar to that of the SAPS.

But the National SAPS has exposed Thomson, confirming that the clothing in her posts is not SAPS-issued uniform.

Brigadier Athlenda Mathe has called on Thomson to refrain from impersonating members of the South African Police Service.

The woman claims she is attached to the Johannesburg Central Police Station, but Mathe says she is a civilian.

She adds that the SAPS social media team has already reached out to Thomson by warning her to stop this illegal activity. She then locked her Facebook profile.

“The SAPS calls on Khosi Thomson to stop posing as a police officer and refrain from using the SAPS insignia. Our crime intelligence unit is actively searching for her, and an investigation is underway.”

It is illegal to falsely represent oneself as a member of the SAPS or to use a SAPS uniform, badge, or decoration without authorisation. Penalties for this offence can include imprisonment and fines.

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