Online scamming and robberies have become a significant issue in South Africa, particularly in the Loate and Rietgat policing precincts. The police in Tshwane District recognized the urgency of the situation and took decisive action to address the issue.
The Operation
Under the command of Colonel Mphephu Mashau, the police conducted an intelligence-driven operation. The operation resulted in the arrest of 23 suspects and the rescue of a victim from a group of nine men.
The Arrests
On June 22, 2023, the team followed a man who was withdrawing money from a victim’s account at a bank. The alleged criminal syndicate advertised products on social media and arranged meetings with potential buyers in secluded locations. Once the buyer arrived, the group would hold the buyer at gunpoint and withdraw money from their account. All ten suspects involved in this incident were arrested and charged with armed robbery.
On June 23, 2023, the operation continued, leading to the arrest of thirteen additional suspects. The police also recovered two firearms, R5 live ammunition, 9mm firearm ammunition, and two vehicles suspected of being used in these crimes.
The Response
Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, the Provincial Commissioner of the police in Gauteng, praised the team’s dedication in arresting the suspects. The rise of e-commerce and the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has created platforms for criminals to target unsuspecting victims using e-hailing services and social media marketplaces, such as Facebook Marketplace.
To help the public stay safe, Lt Gen Mawela offered some basic safety tips for buying or selling online.
Safety Tips for Buying or Selling Online
- Avoid communicating with buyers or sellers outside of Facebook.
- Don’t share personal information like banking details.
- When meeting in person, choose a well-lit public area or the nearest police station.
- Research the buyer or seller by visiting their private Facebook profile; a red flag is raised when a profile has been recently created.
As online scamming and robberies continue to plague the digital world, it is essential for law enforcement agencies to adapt and collaborate with the public in ensuring safety. This successful operation in South Africa sets a valuable example in addressing this ever-growing concern, proving that with resilience and collaboration, progress can be made in the battle against cybercrime.
