A man caught impersonating a police officer when someone saw he was wearing "takkies" (running shoes) instead of boots has appeared in the Brits Magistrate's Court, police said on Wednesday.

North West police spokesman Captain Pelonomi Makau said 21-year-old Kgomotso Tota appeared in court on Monday. The case was postponed until Tuesday.

The man and an accomplice, who is still sought, were arrested in Letlhabile on Saturday. The men, dressed in police uniforms, had apparently just robbed people of their cellphones and shoes, then tried to hijack a car.

"Community members contacted the police immediately after the car hijacking attempt, after they saw the bogus police officers wearing police uniforms with takkies instead of boots."