PARKTOWN – The Police in Gauteng have arrested two suspects who allegedly scammed and robbed online buyer after placing adverts on social media about a car on sale. The duo was arrested in Hammanskraal on Monday, 28 November 2022.

Following a case that was reported to the police, the suspects’ activities online were monitored. One of their victims has reported that he saw an advertisement for a vehicle in the area of Dilopye, Hammanskraal and made contact with the seller. Both the buyer and the seller met and the transaction was made of R80 000. The alleged seller fled the scene with the victim’s cash and the vehicle that has just been purchased, leaving the victim stranded.

The same group of suspects allegedly placed another advertisement for the same vehicle and the victim noticed it and informed the Investigating Officer. The suspects were then traced and arrested as they were about to scam and rob another unsuspecting victim.

The suspects are linked to several cases with the same modus operandi reported in Winterveld and other areas in Tshwane where people were robbed after responding to advertisements of goods that are sold online. They are expected to appear before the Temba Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 30 November 2022.

Gauteng Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Tommy Mthombeni has commended the police for apprehending these suspects that have been preying on online traders in Tshwane, predominantly in Temba and Winterveld as well as other areas.

“These arrests will help us to crackdown on online crime and to conclude a lot of cases where the same modus operandi was used,” said Major General Mthombeni.

Police are appealing to anyone who might have been the victim of the same crime or have information that can help the police in the investigation to please call Colonel Freddie Mogotsi on 082 416 0659 or Sergeant Mary Makola on 082 930 1024.

Source: South African Police Service