Gauteng Police have raised concern about robberies linked to online marketplace transactions. This follows the arrest of three young men in Winterveldt, outside Pretoria. This after a man who had travelled from Springs on the East Rand to buy a car advertised on Facebook Marketplace was reportedly robbed and kidnapped.
The victim had responded to an advertisement for a vehicle selling for R20 000 and was allegedly attacked when he arrived at the advertised location. Police spokesperson Johan van Dyk has urged prospective buyers to exercise caution when responding to online advertisements.
“The victim responded to the advertisement and the transaction allegedly resulted in the victim being robbed and kidnapped. The buyer and suspects were subsequently identified by the victim, leading to the arrest. Buying a vehicle or other valuable items on social media platforms such as Facebook Marketplace can expose you to serious safety risks. The public is urged to take the necessary precautions and to remain vigilant when buying goods online. Always verify the seller and the goods, avoid meeting strangers at isolated locations, and arrange transactions at safe public spaces, preferably at a police station.”
#sapsGP [THREE SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR ONLINE ROBBERY IN WINTERVELDT]
On Friday, 13 November 2026, at about 14:00, Members of the South African Police Service attached to the Online Task Team at Loate SAPS were conducting proactive patrols in Winterveldt when they received a complaint from the Client Service Centre regarding an online-related robbery.
The victim reported that on Thursday, 12 November 2026, he had travelled all the way from Springs to Winterveldt after responding to an advertisement on Facebook Marketplace for a grey Suzuki Swift valued at R20 000. Upon arriving at the advertised location, he was allegedly robbed and kidnapped.
Due to the traumatic nature of the incident, the victim was unable to open a case on the same day. He subsequently reported the matter to the police.
Members of the Online Task Team accompanied the victim to the location where the incident had occurred. Upon arrival, they spotted a group of approximately five males sitting next to a tuck shop. The victim identified the group as the alleged perpetrators.
The members acted swiftly and managed to apprehend three suspects, while the remaining two suspects fled the scene on foot.
The three suspects, one aged 18 and the other two 19, were arrested and charged with armed robbery and kidnapping.
The investigation is ongoing, and detectives will also be looking into the possibility of linking the suspects to other similar incidents reported in the area.
Major General Samuel Thine, the District Commissioner of Tshwane, commended the members for their swift response, professionalism and dedication in assisting the victim and ensuring the arrest of the suspects.
He further cautioned members of the public to exercise extreme caution when buying or selling goods through social media platforms and online marketplaces. Criminals often use seemingly genuine advertisements to lure unsuspecting victims into dangerous situations. Members of the public are urged to verify sellers and advertisements before committing to any transaction and, where possible, arrange meetings at safe, public places, preferably Police stations.
The public is further advised not to travel alone when meeting unfamiliar sellers or buyers, to inform family members or friends of their whereabouts, and to avoid carrying large amounts of cash to such meetings. Any suspicious behaviour, unusually attractive offers or requests to meet at isolated locations should be treated with caution. Members of the public should also avoid sharing unnecessary personal information or banking details with unknown individuals.
Major General Thine emphasised that members of the public should remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to their nearest police station. Anyone who suspects that they are being targeted or feels unsafe during a transaction should prioritise their personal safety and immediately seek assistance from the police.
The South African Police Service remains committed to addressing online-related crimes and urges communities to work together with the police in preventing criminal activities.
— SA Police Service
(@SAPoliceService) November 14, 2026