Motorists urged to avoid social media vehicle purchases after hijacking incident in Tshwane

The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) made a rescue on Sunday, recovering a hijacked vehicle and freeing the driver who had been locked in the boot by armed suspects in Winterveldt, a town northwest of Pretoria.

The incident highlights the growing danger of online vehicle scams, with criminals luring unsuspecting buyers into traps under the guise of selling cars. The metro police have urged the public to exercise caution when buying vehicles online.

“Criminals are increasingly using social media platforms to target unsuspecting buyers, especially in areas like Winterveldt,” said TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Issac Mahamba.

Mahamba said while conducting routine duties, officers received a report of a hijacked VW vehicle in the Klipgat area.

The team followed leads and located the vehicle abandoned in Winterveldt.

“To their shock, they found the driver locked in the boot of the car, revealing a harrowing story.

“The victim explained that he and a friend were responding to an online advertisement for a vehicle.”

He said misled by the sellers, they arrived at a predetermined location, only to be confronted by three armed suspects.

“While the passenger managed to flee, the driver was forcibly placed in the boot and transported to Winterveldt, where the suspects began to strip the vehicle for parts.

“The assailants appeared to be on high alert for police presence, escaping just as TMPD officers approached the scene.”

Mahamba said a case of hijacking and kidnapping has since been opened.

The TMPD warns that potential buyers should refrain from making transactions without verification and ideally should rather consider purchasing vehicles through established dealerships or trusted sources.