Two men have been convicted of theft in a case linked to an alleged Facebook vehicle scam syndicate. Cleopas Msipa, 51, and Tshepiso de Beer, 46, pleaded guilty and were convicted in the Stilfontein Regional Court on Tuesday (29/9), while proceedings against three remaining accused are continuing.

Victims were allegedly lured through Facebook advertisements for vehicles and taxis before being taken to identified premises. A group of men would then enter and allegedly introduce themselves as police officers from Potchefstroom, North West police spokesperson Col. Anne Magakoe said.

The victims were allegedly separated and questioned before being told that gold-bearing material or diamonds had been found at the premises. They were threatened with arrest and forced to hand over money or transfer funds.

In some cases, bank cards were allegedly taken and used for transactions at taverns and other businesses.

An entrapment operation by the provincial organised crime unit and crime intelligence led to eight arrests in March 2023. Further investigation and identification parades subsequently linked some of the suspects to additional cases in which the same method was allegedly used, Magakoe said.

Msipa and De Beer were each sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years. 

The case against the remaining three accused has been postponed to Wednesday, 21 October, when they are expected back in court. They remain in custody pending determination of a new trial date.

People should verify the legitimacy of sellers and transactions before making payments or sharing personal and banking information, Magakoe said. 

Police are particularly concerned about advertisements involving vehicles, taxis, and other expensive goods, as criminals may use apparently legitimate social media offers to lure unsuspecting buyers into fraudulent transactions.

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