A Facebook Marketplace advertisement for a generator allegedly led a buyer into an armed robbery trap in Mhlaumbe, Winterveldt, before swift police intervention resulted in two suspects being arrested.
The Rietgat and Loate police station task teams were conducting patrols in identified crime hotspots in the area on August 12 when they came across a grey Ford Ranger Raptor occupied by a man.
According to police, the man told officers that he had travelled to the area after seeing a generator advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
Police warned him that the advertisement could be a scam and that he could potentially be targeted in an armed robbery.
The officers then asked the man to assist them in tracing the alleged sellers, who had not yet arrived.
Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said two officers of the Online Task Team entered the vehicle with the complainant, while other officers positioned themselves nearby in a marked police vehicle.
He said a group of unidentified men approached the vehicle.
Van Dyk said one of the suspects produced a firearm and fired shots in the direction of the officers and the complainant.
“A shootout followed, with the suspects fleeing the scene. One suspect was apprehended and allegedly found in possession of a firearm,” he said.
Police later received information from an informant that a man with gunshot wounds had arrived at Sedilega Clinic in Mabopane.
He said officers went to the clinic and confirmed that the injured man was one of the suspects who had fled the scene.
“He was arrested and placed under police guard, bringing the number of suspects arrested in connection with the incident to two,” he said.
Van Dyk said the swift intervention prevented what could have been a serious crime.
“The members displayed vigilance and swift response in preventing what could have been a serious armed robbery,” said Van Dyk.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police following up on available leads.
District commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution when using online marketplaces.
Police advise buyers and sellers to verify the identity of people they intend to meet, to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and never arrange meetings in isolated areas.
The public are encouraged to use public meeting points, including police stations, when completing online transactions.
Police also warned residents to be cautious of advertisements offering goods at prices significantly below market value, as these may be indicators of scams.
Van Dyk urged residents to remain alert and report suspicious activity to the police without placing themselves in danger.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel
