Three people have been arrested in a sting operation after they allegedly robbed a father and son duo of cash, cellphones and bank cards in Kanana, North West. The police said the two victims had responded to an advertisement on social media about the sale of a Toyota Quantum at a cheaper price in October.

According to North West police spokesperson Colonel Ad?le Myburgh, it was reported that the victims drove from Mahikeng to Kanana where they met the seller. "They were shown the vehicle at a house in Kanana and then transferred R150 000 through a banking app into the seller's account. The victim and his son were suddenly overpowered by eight males who claimed to be police officers. They assaulted the duo and took their cellular phones," Myburgh said. She added that one of the suspects sent cash via cash send from the victim's phone. They further took the victim's bank card, then forced him to give them his PIN number and ultimately withdrew money from an ATM. The victims were released and went to report the matter at the local police station. The suspects were only arrested last week Saturday by the Provincial Organised Crime in cooperation with the Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team (TRT) after extensive police investigations.

The suspects, Tebogo Deco Chosi (32), Mpho Pitso (38) and Daniel Gideon Rwexane (36) appeared before the Orkney Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 14 November 2023, on charges of fraud, robbery, assault and impersonating police officials. They were remanded in custody until their next court appearance on Tuesday, 21 November 2023. Myburgh added that further police investigations linked the suspects to three more cases reported during September and October in Jouberton and Kanana. In one of the robbery cases reported in Jouberton on Sunday, 24 September 2023, police also arrested Seokama Abrams (50), Zamile Marote (51) and David Metlholo Mereko (60). They used the same modus operandi of luring the unsuspecting victims by advertising a Toyota Quantum taxi via Facebook. Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena urged members of the community to exercise caution when responding to online advertisements and to meet potential sellers or buyers in public places for their own safety.