Facebook Marketplace warning in South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned people about buying or selling goods through online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace.

The warning follows a carjacking and armed robbery incident reported in Motherwell this week.

A complainant and two friends travelled to Mdundu Street, Motherwell, after responding to a Facebook Marketplace advertisement for a vehicle.

Upon arriving at the address, the person who had allegedly communicated with the complainant via Facebook informed them that the vehicle was parked inside the yard.

“As the victims entered the premises to inspect the vehicle, they were confronted by armed suspects who assaulted them and robbed them of cash,” the SAPS said.

The criminals also stole the victims’ cellular phones before fleeing in their white Kia Sportage.

The police warned that criminals are increasingly using online marketplaces to target unsuspecting buyers and sellers.

They typically advertise non-existent goods or arrange meetings in secluded areas where victims can be robbed.

While these incidents happen nationwide, law enforcement has identified specific areas with heavy syndicate activity.

• Gauteng: Soshanguve, particularly Rietgat and Block PP1, and Winterveld, have documented syndicates specialising in luring buyers with fake advertisements for electronics and vehicles. 

• Eastern Cape: Motherwell, specifically areas like NU6, and parts of Kwazakele have seen a spike in violent carjackings where buyers were lured under the pretence of buying a secondhand car.

• Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal: Criminals use isolated industrial areas or township borders where out-of-town buyers are easily disoriented.

SAPS and private security firms regularly issue urgent warnings about these areas where syndicates operate.

South Africans urged to take precautions when using Facebook Marketplace

The SAPS has urged the public to take the following precautions when conducting transactions through online marketplaces.

• Meet in public places with high visibility and pedestrian traffic.

• Avoid travelling to unfamiliar areas or private residences to view or purchase items.

• Never carry large amounts of cash to a transaction.

• Consider meeting at a police station or another secure public venue.

• Do not enter homes, garages, yards or secluded locations to inspect items.

• Inform a family member or friend of your destination and expected return time.

• Verify the identity and contact details of the person you are meeting.

• Be wary of deals that appear significantly cheaper than market value.

• When selling items, avoid inviting strangers to your home and arrange meetings in safe public locations.

• Trust your instincts and leave immediately if a situation appears suspicious.

The SAPS appeals to community members to remain alert and report suspicious activity or criminal incidents to their nearest police station.

Reporting with SA News