Police uniform, firearm found on arrested online scammers

A police uniform as well as a police firearm were confiscated after seven alleged online scammers were arrested in Rietgat on Wednesday following a tip-off.

Police also found another firearm, two fake firearms, 44 live rounds of ammunition as well as nine cellphones, according to spokesperson Captain Stephen Maluleka.

The arrests were made in collaboration with Honeydew and Cosmo City police officers at various addresses where the suspects resided.

The suspects are accused of terrorising unsuspecting customers looking for vehicles and goods on Facebook marketplace and Gumtree.

“They would allegedly place photos of fictitious vehicles on social media for sale to lure potential buyers to an isolated location. Here they would rob them of their belongings and money meant to buy vehicles at gunpoint,” said Maluleka.

All the suspects were expected to appear before the Soshanguve magistrate’s court in due course.

“I’m very pleased with the arrests,” said Rietgat station commander Brigadier Molatelo Maphoto.

“I am proud that we still have such dedicated officers. Their amazing work is commendable.”

Maphoto encouraged the community to report crimes or any suspicious activity in their area to the station at 071 675 6250 or 082 455 8236.

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