Johannesburg: The South African Police Service (SAPS): has warned community members to be vigilant when buying or selling goods through online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and other online trading sites. The warning follows a carjacking and armed robbery incident reported in Motherwell on Wednesday, at approximately 07:00.
According to South African Government News Agency, a complainant and two friends travelled to Mdundu Street, NU6, Motherwell, after responding to a Facebook Marketplace advertisement for a vehicle. Upon arriving at the address, the person who had allegedly communicated with the complainant via Facebook informed them that the vehicle was parked inside the yard. As the victims entered the premises to inspect the vehicle, they were confronted by armed suspects who allegedly assaulted them, robbed them of cash and cellular phones, and fled with the complainant's white Kia Sportage, the police said in a statement.
Criminals are increasingly using online marketplaces to target unsuspecting buyers and sellers by advertising non-existent goods or arranging meetings in secluded areas where victims can be robbed. The SAPS urges the public to take precautions when conducting transactions through online marketplaces, including meeting in public places with high visibility, avoiding unfamiliar areas, and not carrying large amounts of cash.
The SAPS also recommends considering meetings at police stations or other secure public venues, avoiding entering secluded locations, informing someone of your plans, verifying the identity of your contact, being wary of deals that are too good to be true, and trusting your instincts. For sellers, it is advised to avoid inviting strangers to your home and instead arrange meetings in safe public locations.
The SAPS appeals to community members to remain alert and report suspicious activity or criminal incidents to their nearest police station or the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. The safety of communities remains a priority, and members of the public are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect themselves when conducting online transactions, the police said.