Pretoria east men kidnapped, robbed, shot at during online sales scam
Bronkhorstspruit station commander Colonel Maqhawe Simon Dhladhla warned the community members from looking for bargains on social media platforms after two men were robbed at gunpoint and held hostage.
Police are investigating attempted murder, kidnapping and armed robbery after two men responding to a Facebook advert on Marketplace were accosted and held hostage.
Bronkhorstspruit SAPS Constable Munyadziwa Cathrine Ramovha said on February 24, a man took a friend to go see the Bobcat Caterpillar he intended to buy.
“They were provided with a Pin drop. On their arrival, the complainant [man] phoned the seller, and he was told to wait there, someone would come and fetch them.”
Police confirmed that the incident took place in Loate, in the north of Pretoria.
The victims were travelling from Bronkhorstspruit.
Ramovha said as the two held on in eagerness to make a purchase they were attacked and held at gunpoint by a group of more than 10 men.
“They demanded the cash, but the victims said they did not have cash. While the man argued with one suspect, he was shot in the head.”
She said both victims were taken into the bush where they were searched and their property taken.
“They were robbed of their cellphones, and suspects took their bank cards and demanded the Pins.
The victims were kept hostage for plus-minus six hours.”
She said the suspects later escorted their victims to their vehicle and instructed the friend to take the man to the hospital.
“The friend could not find the hospital in the area so decided to drive to Bronkhorstspruit Hospital.
The man was discharged from hospital on February 25,” according to Ramovha.
Station commander Colonel Maqhawe Simon Dhladhla warned community members to refrain from looking for bargains on social media platforms, especially in Loate and Winterveldt as they might end up being victims of crime.
“Those who shop online ought to exercise caution and limit their purchases to reliable websites or apps.”
He said fraudsters and other criminals used social media to find victims.
*Please note this article has been amended
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