TWO suspects are in custody following their arrest this weekend. The pair is suspected to be part of a syndicate operating in Durban, targeting vehicle buyers.

Colonel Boysie Zungu shared, “A Warrant Officer from Cape Town was allegedly scammed while attempting to purchase a Toyota Quantum in Durban. The suspects reportedly arranged a meeting, allowed a test drive, and even proceeded to a licensing office under false pretenses. The complainant paid R10 000 in cash and was instructed to deposit a further R120 000 into a fraudulent Capitec account.

“After being misled to various locations, the complainant and his wife were abandoned in the city, and their personal belongings were taken. With assistance from Metro Police members at Boscombe and SAPS Durban Central, a case was opened, and an intelligence-driven operation was immediately initiated.”

Also read: Arrests made as police crack car theft syndicate in Durban

The pair was later apprehended during a co-ordinated sting operation,  after attempting to repeat the same scam using social media platforms to lure another buyer.

“The operation involved multiple law enforcement units and led to the arrest of the suspects at a licensing office. Evidence, including marked money, was recovered. The suspects are linked to multiple fraud cases and complainants have positively identified them. Further investigations are underway,” Zungu added.

Police are warning members of the public to exercise extreme caution when purchasing vehicles through social media platforms, to always verify ownership, avoid cash transactions, and conduct payments through secure, verified channels.

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