The Actonville police are urging the community to beware of suspects using a green Honda, with no registration plates, to kidnap children lately.
It is believed the group consists of four men and possibly a woman. It is alleged the children are taken to a house within Ekurhuleni.
On August 28, a 13-year-old boy was kidnapped on his way to school on Dube Street, Wattville.
Actonville SAPS spokesperson Sgt Godin Nyathi said while the boy was walking he was stopped and kidnapped by three Zulu-speaking men, driving the Honda.
“They forced him into the vehicle, blindfolded him and went to an unknown house in a known area. There were three more young boys in the house,” said Nyathi.
“The boy was taken into another room where there was a female. Her face was covered with a blanket, she was wearing traditional clothes and wore boots.”
Nyathi said the woman allegedly asked the boy his name and surname and where he stays.
“The boy complied, but then the woman said he is not the boy she is looking for. She instructed the men to drop him off where he was picked up.
“He was dropped off in an open field near Beechwood Street, Brakpan,” he said.
The boy was, however, robbed of his cellphone.
The motive behind the kidnapping is unknown and police are investigating the matter. A case of kidnapping and robbery has been opened at the station.
Buying vehicles online
The spokesperson said they are warning the community to be careful when purchasing cars online.
“More people are being hooked by adverts on social media. These scammers want you to deposit a certain amount of money into a bank account.
“Never deposit money to strangers. If you buy a car, you need to see the car physically before paying for it.”
On September 1, a man was robbed of R109 440 after he deposited the money to purchase a Toyota Quantum.
Nyathi said a man residing at the Actonville Hostel received a call from his son who resides in KwaZulu-Natal. He told the father about the vehicle he saw on social media and told him he wanted to buy it.
“The father contacted the seller to make inquiries about the vehicle. The seller told him the vehicle is still available and it will be auctioned soon.
“The complainant went to meet the seller in Krugersdorp and was told to transfer R30 000 into the seller’s bank account.
“Later on, he was told to transfer R66 000 into the same bank account, after a while he was given another account to transfer another R13 440, which was apparently for government tax revenue.
“Nyathi said the father waited for the seller to bring the vehicle to a shopping centre in Krugersdorp but the man never showed up.
“When he called the seller, he was told he is stupid for transferring the money before he even saw the vehicle in question. “
The police are investigating the case and no arrests had been made. A case of fraud was opened at Actonville SAPS.
Nyathi urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly locked, especially at shopping centres and hospitals.
“There has been a lot of car jamming at shopping centres or in busy areas. Always double check your vehicle is locked before leaving.”
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