MONTCLAIR police caution residents to be alert when dealing with unknown people on social media.
This comes after a man was scammed of over R60 000 when he responded to an online sale of a car.
“The victim viewed an advert of a vehicle sold on social media on Wednesday, 5 May at about 12.30pm. He made the necessary inquires and that it was being sold by the owner. After confirming that he wanted the vehicle, he deposited R68 000 into the seller’s account. He was later informed that he was scammed,” said Captain Derek Vijiam.
He further warns residents to make the necessary inquiries with different institutions before depositing cash.
“Once you press the button on the computer, your money is gone,” he added.
Business robbery
STAFF at Mgodini Tavern at the SJ Smith Hostel near Mobeni Shopping Center were working when they were accosted by six unknown men on Saturday, 1 May at about 3.30am.
One of the six men produced a firearm and threatened the staff.
“They were instructed to lay on the floor. A round was fired. Suspects removed a large amount of cash together with bottles of alcohol. Two suspects returned later and were held up by the community until the arrival of the police. The suspects were handed over to the police. Kwanda Magcaba and Sphamandla Ndlovu were arrested and charged,” said Vijiam.
Both appeared at the Durban Court on Monday, 3 May.
He added that the owner of the tavern will also be charged for contravening the Disaster Management Act regulation for having the tavern opened.
If you have information regarding this business robbery, call Sergeant Bhekumuzi Dlamini on 079-500-0836.
Attempted murder
A MAN parking his car was startled by firearm going off on South Coast Road, Clairwood on Monday, 3 May at about 8.30pm.
“As the victim was parking his vehicle, he was alerted by sounds of someone attempting to open the passenger door of his vehicle, which was locked. Immediately the victim heard a firearm going off. He was informed by his assistant that there was a gunshot hole on the passenger door. The place was not lit, however, he managed to recover a spent cartridge which was handed to the police and the projectile was stuck to the ground. Police are continuing with the investigation,” said Vijiam.
Carjacking
A MAN in a company car at the robots of Grimsby and South Coast roads was accosted by three unknown men on Thursday, 6 May at 6.30am.
“The victim was stationary in a Toyota Quantum. All three assailants forced the driver out from his seat and alighted the vehicle. They drove off with the driver to Lamontville where he was dropped off. He was left without his cell phone as it was thrown into the nearby dense bushes,” said Vijiam.
If you have information regarding this carjacking please call Sergeant Msizi Msomi on 079-500-0836.
Armed robbery
A MAN walking on Wood Road in Montclair was left in distress after he was held at gunpoint for his belongings on Tuesday, 27 April at about 3.30pm.
“The victim was alone when he was suddenly stopped and approached by two unknown men. They were driving around in a gold Toyota Aygo. They produced a firearm and pointing it at him, demanding his belongings. They physically removed his cell phone. They immediately drove off, leaving a traumatised victim to make a report at the police station,” said Vijiam.
Attempted carjacking and attempted murder
TWO men were held at gun point on Wood Road, Woodlands on Friday, 30 April at about 8pm. The pair were in their car when they were robustly approached by two unknown men.
“Both unknown men were armed, one had a firearm and the other had a knife. The suspects engaged both occupants by physically fighting with them. One of the occupants ran from the scene leaving the driver to fight a suspect. The suspect stabbed the driver while the one with a firearm assisted him. The driver then ran away,” said Vijiam.
He said although the suspects could make their getaway with the car, they decided to run on foot instead.
“The driver returned to his vehicle and went the after the suspects. While pursuing them, they fired a round which lodged in the vehicle. The driver proceeded to hospital for treatment of his injuries,” he added.
If you have information regarding this incident call Sergeant Bhekumuzi Dlamini on 079-500-0836.
