Police on Monday arrested two suspects who allegedly scammed and robbed an online buyer after placing adverts on social media about a car on sale.
The two were arrested in Hammanskraal.
One of their victims reported he saw an online advertisement for a vehicle in Dilopye, Hammanskraal, and contacted the seller. The buyer met and gave the seller 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,” police spokesperson Lt-Col Mavela Masondo said.
The two also 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.”
Masondo said the suspects are linked to several cases where people were robbed after responding to advertisements of goods that are sold online.
They are expected to appear before the Temba magistrate’s court on Wednesday.
Acting Gauteng police commissioner Maj-Gen Tommy Mthombeni commended the police for apprehending the suspects, who had been preying on online traders, predominantly in Temba and Winterveld as well as other areas.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
Police arrest two suspects preying on customers they lured online
Image: SAPS
Police on Monday arrested two suspects who allegedly scammed and robbed an online buyer after placing adverts on social media about a car on sale.
The two were arrested in Hammanskraal.
One of their victims reported he saw an online advertisement for a vehicle in Dilopye, Hammanskraal, and contacted the seller. The buyer met and gave the seller 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,” police spokesperson Lt-Col Mavela Masondo said.
The two also 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.”
Masondo said the suspects are linked to several cases where people were robbed after responding to advertisements of goods that are sold online.
They are expected to appear before the Temba magistrate’s court on Wednesday.
Acting Gauteng police commissioner Maj-Gen Tommy Mthombeni commended the police for apprehending the suspects, who had been preying on online traders, predominantly in Temba and Winterveld as well as other areas.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
READ MORE :
Limpopo police searching for suspect responsible for farm attack
‘We want killer to help us fetch her spirit’: Tshegofatso Pule’s family seek closure
Mining ‘under siege’ by mafia, says Minerals Council CEO
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
News and promos in your inbox
subscribeMost read
Latest Videos