Kempton police make breakthrough in social media scam case

Kempton Park SAPS detectives made a breakthrough in the social media scam which residents were warned about last week.

ALSO READ: Kempton police warn against meeting strangers on social media

Police arrested a 29-year-old suspect for robbery, on August 19 at about 22:00, after a victim was lured through social media to meet a stranger.

The Express reported last week that Kempton Park SAPS warned the community to be vigilant when communicating with strangers on social media.

“We had recent incidents where people were robbed after communicating with strangers on social media,” said Captain Jethro Mtshali, the spokesperson for Kempton Park SAPS.

“Prior to Friday’s arrest, the victim had allegedly been communicating with the stranger via a social media app called Grindr,” said Mtshali.

He said the victim was asked by the suspect to meet at a petrol station at the corner of Voortrekker and Casuarina streets in Kempton Park.

“When the victim arrived, he was taken to a block of flats where the suspect asked the victim to wait for him as he was going to fetch keys.

“While waiting, he was accosted by two suspects who robbed him of his bank cards and cellphone.

“The complainant, with the assistance of two police detectives, proceeded to the scene and managed to arrest one of the suspects,” said Mtshali.

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The SAPS again urged the community to beware of meeting strangers on social media.

Express previously reported that police were also 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 for a job vacancy for a cashier and petrol attendant.

“She later met with a woman driving a white VW Polo and was taken to an unknown place where the interview was supposed to be conducted,” Mtshali previously told Express.

The woman later told police that when they arrived at the place, she found other women.

“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. This has become a trend,” said Mtshali.

In another case the complainant saw an advert on Facebook for a flat to rent.

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 and took his cellphone. In another incident, a victim alleged that he met an unknown man on a social dating app.

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“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 cellphone, cash and ID card before the men ran away.”

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

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