The Western Cape police are again alerting social media users to be cautious when responding to online advertisements, after more people  recently came under attack in Brown’s Farm, Philippi over the weekend.

A couple arranged to meet with an unidentified man in Govan Mbeki Street, Brown’s Farm, on Saturday, 20 April 2024. They had apparently intended to buy a gaming console from the man. Upon arrival at the agreed upon location, Western Cape police spokesperson, Frederick Van Wyk, says a group of men then attacked the couple.

“[They] forced the couple out of the vehicle and fled the scene in the victims motor vehicle and are yet to be arrested. We can confirm that the motor vehicle was recovered in Gugulethu. Nyanga police registered a case of carjacking.”

While police are still the investigating this matter, Van Wyk says police are concerned with that online platforms are being used to lure victims to criminals posing as buyers.

They have called on others social media users to arrange for meetings for sales to take place in familiar and/or public places.

“It is advised to arrange a meeting with a potential buyer at a public place at a time when people are around or even in front of a police station. If the caller has an ulterior motive, he or she will in all probability make an alternative suggestion, which should raise a red flag. With this warning SAPS by no means discourage people to make use of online advertising platforms, but to exercise caution when doing so, to prevent becoming a criminal’s next victim.”