SAPS Rietgat has made a significant breakthrough in online scamming-related crimes. This follows the arrest of four male suspects, aged between 18 and 25, in connection with a robbery and kidnapping case that occurred on 29 May 2026 at approximately 16:50 in Block PP1, Soshanguve.
According to the investigation, the victim responded to a Facebook Marketplace advertisement in which mag rims were allegedly being offered for sale at R3 500.00. The victim communicated with the alleged seller and was provided with a location in Block PP1, Soshanguve, where the transaction was to take place.
Upon arrival, the victim was approached by a young male who confirmed that they were there to meet the seller. The male then directed the victim to another location nearby where the meeting was allegedly to take place and accompanied the victim in the vehicle.
Upon arrival at the second location, the male exited the vehicle, allegedly to contact the seller. Shortly thereafter, an armed suspect approached the vehicle and instructed the victim to move to the back seat. Three additional suspects joined the armed suspect and took control of the situation.
The suspects allegedly attempted to drive away with the victim’s vehicle but were unsuccessful. They then escorted the victim to a nearby bushy area, where they robbed him of his belongings and forced him to provide access to his cellphone and banking application.
An amount of R4 000 was subsequently transferred from the victim’s Capitec account, with several personal items also taken.
The victim was later released unharmed.
Following intensive investigations, members of SAPS Rietgat successfully traced and arrested the four suspects on 01 June 2026, at approximately 18:51, during a tracing operation.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court on 02 June 2026 on charges of robbery and kidnapping.
The District Commissioner of Tshwane, Major General Samuel Thine, commended the members involved for their dedication and commitment in ensuring that the suspects were brought to book.
SAPS urges community members to remain vigilant when conducting transactions through online marketplaces and to arrange meetings in safe, public places whenever possible.
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