Local police warn against meeting strangers on social media

Kempton Park SAPS warns the community to be vigilant when communicating with strangers on social media.

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Captain Jethro Mtshali, the spokesperson for Kempton Park SAPS, said those who do often become victims of crime.

“We had recent incidents where people were robbed after communicating with strangers on social media,” said Mtshali.

“It is Women’s Month and we need to continue raising awareness as some women also fell victim to various crimes of kidnapping and sexual abuse.

“Detectives are investigating a case of kidnapping after a 27-year-old female was allegedly browsing through her phone on August 5 when she came across an advert of a job vacancy for a cashier and petrol attendant on Facebook.

“She called the number and asked to meet at the Kempton Park Taxi Rank.

“On arrival, she met with a woman driving a white VW Polo and was taken to an unknown place where the interview was supposed to be conducted while waiting for another man.”

The victim said to the police when they arrived at the place, she found other women.

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“Three women were crying for help. They were kept until the following day when the victim was dropped at an unknown location.

“She was robbed of her ID and cash. Investigations are continuing as this has become a trend,” explained Mtshali.

Another person also became a victim of crime following communication with a stranger on social media.

“The victim saw an advert on Facebook for a flat that is being rented out.

“The victim communicated with the stranger and a meeting was arranged on Monument Road. He met a man who took him to a block of flats on Voortrekker Road.

“They were approached by another unknown man who threatened to stab the victim with a beer bottle. The men searched the victim, stealing his cellphone from him.

“In another incident, a victim alleged that he met an unknown man on a social dating app.

“A meeting was arranged and he used an e-hailing service, which dropped him on Long Street.

“While waiting for the man, the victim was approached by five unknown men. He was robbed at gunpoint of his cell phone, cash and ID card before the men ran away.”

The station commander of Kempton Park SAPS, Brigadier Lindani Nldovu, echoed this warning against meeting strangers from social media.

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Anyone with information about the above cases may contact the police on 0800 10111 or 011 393 8600.

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