GQEBERHA – Police are warning residents to be vigilant when buying and selling goods online after armed suspects allegedly used a fake Facebook Marketplace vehicle advertisement to lure victims to a property in Motherwell.

The warning follows a carjacking and armed robbery reported in Motherwell on Wednesday, 10 June, at about 07:00.

According to police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, the complainant and two friends allagedly travelled to Mdundu Street in NU6 after responding to an advertisement for a vehicle on Facebook Marketplace.

Upon arriving at the address, the person who had allegedly been communicating with the complainant informed them that the vehicle was parked inside the yard.

As the group entered the property to inspect the vehicle, they were allegedly confronted by armed suspects who assaulted them, robbed them of cash and cellphones before fleeing with the complainant’s white Kia Sportage.

Police said criminals are increasingly using online marketplace to target unsuspecting buyers and sellers by advertising non-existent goods or arranging meetings in secluded locations where victims can be robbed.

SAPS has urged the public to meet in busy public places when conducting transactions, avoid carrying large amounts of cash and never enter private homes, garages or yards to inspect items.

Residents are also encouraged to verify the identity of the person they are meeting, inform family or friends of their whereabouts and be cautious of deals that appear significantly cheaper than market value.

Anyone who notices suspicious activity or falls victim to a similar crime is urged to report the matter to their nearest police station or contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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