Three people were arrested on Monday after they allegedly stole a couple of cash, cell phones and bank cards in Winterveld, Gauteng.
- Gauteng police have warned the public about online scams, which they say are prevalent in Hammanskraal and Winterveld.
- Three people were arrested this week after they allegedly robbed a couple.
- The couple had responded to an ad. on social networks about selling CDs.
Three people were arrested on Monday after they allegedly stole a couple of cash, cell phones and bank cards in Winterveld, Gauteng.
In a statement, police said the couple had responded to an ad on social media about selling CDs.
According to police spokeswoman Brigadier Brenda Muridili, an arrangement was made for the couple to meet the person selling the CDs in Winterveld.
“Upon reaching the location, the couple was met by a man who took them to another location, where an undisclosed amount of cash, cell phones and bank cards were then stolen from them,” Muridili said.
She said the case was transferred from the Loate police station in Winterveld to the provincial Organized Crime Unit.
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The suspects were arrested after an undercover operation.
Muridili said that in November, police arrested two people for robbing an unsuspecting buyer who had responded to an online advertisement for a vehicle.
Gauteng Police Commissioner Lt Gen Elias Mawela praised the officers for arresting the perpetrators.
He said:
The more arrests we make, the harder we will hit this group that commits these robberies. Online shoppers should be cautious when contacting people who post ads on social media, verify your credentials, and insist on meeting sellers in areas where they won’t try to rip you off.
Police have warned the public about online scams, which they say are prevalent in Gauteng, specifically the Winterveld and Hammanskraal.
“We urge anyone who has been a victim of these scammers to come forward and report it to the police.”
Anyone with information that may assist officers in their investigations is asked to contact Colonel Freddie Mogotsi on 082 416 0659 or Sergeant Mary Makola on 082 930 1024.
