Pretoria mother and son kidnapped after social media trailer scam
Armed suspects posing as sellers ambushed victims in Soshanguve after a fake advert, with police intercepting and arresting two men.
A Pretoria mother and son were kidnapped and robbed in Soshanguve after responding to a social media advert for a trailer.
According to Pretoria Rekord, they were forced into the boot of their vehicle after being ambushed by armed suspects.
Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk says the incident happened on Tuesday at around 11:30.
“A man and his mother arrived in Soshanguve to purchase a trailer advertised on social media for R6 500.
“Upon arrival at the provided location, they were met by a young boy who directed them to the place where the trailer was allegedly parked. When they arrived, they were confronted by four armed males.”
Van Dyk says the suspects robbed the complainant’s mother of an undisclosed amount of cash and demanded additional money.
“The victims’ family was then contacted and instructed to transfer more funds via CashSend. The victims were forced into the boot of their vehicle, after which the suspects drove away.”
Police interception
While fleeing, the suspects were intercepted by a SAPS vehicle. They attempted to escape on foot, but two were pursued and apprehended.
“Upon searching the suspects, police discovered an unlicensed firearm in the possession of one of them. No reasonable explanation could be provided for the firearm,” Van Dyk says.
The suspects were arrested and charged with carjacking, kidnapping, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, and armed robbery.
Firearm linked to earlier crime
Preliminary investigations revealed that the recovered firearm was stolen from a police officer in Rietgat during an armed robbery in May, during which an attempted murder case was also opened.
The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was used in other crimes.
Police caution public
SAPS urged members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing goods advertised online.
“Transactions should be conducted via reputable platforms, and meetings with unknown sellers should take place in safe, public locations, preferably at a police station. Members of the public are also advised to be wary of last-minute changes to agreed-upon meeting points.”
Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.
Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
