Two suspects arrested in Hammanskraal for online car sales scam
One of the victims was scammed out of R80 000. The victim saw a similar advertisement for the same vehicle and informed the investigating officer.
Gauteng police arrested two suspects in relation to a social media car sales scam in Hammanskraal on Monday.
According to the provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo, the suspects’ online activities were monitored after one of the victims opened the case.
“One of their victims reported that he saw an advertisement for a vehicle in Hammanskraal and made contact with the seller. The buyer and the seller met and the transaction was concluded for R80 000,” he said.
Masondo said the alleged seller fled the scene with the cash and the vehicle, leaving the victim stranded and out of pocket.
“The same group of suspects allegedly placed another advertisement for the same vehicle and the victim noticed it and informed the investigating officer,” he said.
The suspects were traced and arrested as they were about to scam another victim – using the same vehicle.
Masondo added that the suspects are linked to several cases in which the same modus operandi was used in Winterveldt and other areas in Tshwane.
The suspects appeared in the Temba magistrate’s court on Wednesday for a bail application. The case was remanded for seven days.
Gauteng acting commissioner Major General Tommy Mthombeni has commended the police for apprehending the suspects preying on online traders in Tshwane.
“These arrests will help us to crack down on online crime and to conclude a lot of cases where the same modus operandi was used,” said Mthombeni.
Police are appealing to anyone who might have been the victim of the same crime or has information that can help the investigation to call Colonel Freddie Mogotsi on 082 416 0659 or Sergeant Mary Makola on 082 930 1024.
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