Key Points: A theft incident occurred in the Brooklyn area of Pretoria, where a Japanese national had their smartphone stolen.
Details of the Incident:
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On Monday, February 3, around noon, a Japanese national was walking in the Brooklyn area of Pretoria when they were approached by individuals pretending to be police officers.
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The men claimed that a shooting incident had occurred at the Italian Embassy and asked for identification. They further requested to see the smartphone in order to confirm who the individual had been speaking with last.
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After the Japanese national showed the smartphone, the men demanded the PIN code. They became aggressive and insisted, “Give us the PIN quickly.” Fearing for their safety, the national revealed the PIN code. The men then seized the smartphone and fled in a car.
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The men were driving a white sedan without a license plate.
Safety Recommendations:
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In South Africa, avoid walking outdoors, even over short distances.
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There are numerous crimes targeting pedestrians, including scams where individuals pose as police officers or other law enforcement personnel (including both uniformed and plainclothes officers) to deceive people and steal valuables. (This is a common tactic, and due to the theft or replication of police uniforms and vehicles, it is difficult to distinguish between real and fake officers. It is safer not to engage with anyone who approaches you on the street.)
If you are involved in any incident or accident: Please report the incident to the local police and notify the consulate with the details of the event.
