A Gauteng man thought he was buying an ice-cream machine from Facebook Marketplace, but the deal turned deadly when he was ambushed and shot three times.
The three men, Sifiso Maseko, Thapelo Ngwenya, and Ntsindiso Alfred Mtunzini, linked to the robbery, were sentenced in the Ga-Rankuwa High Court on Tuesday.
Maseko and Ngwenya each received life sentences. Mtunzini was sentenced to 15 years.
Kabelo Ngwenya was acquitted.
How the syndicate operated
Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said the sentences followed an extensive investigation into a syndicate that allegedly lured unsuspecting victims through advertisements posted on Facebook Marketplace before robbing them of their vehicles and other valuables.
Sibeko said the investigation originated from five cases registered at Loate Police Station between November 2021 and March 2022.
The suspects faced charges including murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
She said the investigation established that the group allegedly operated as an organised criminal syndicate.
“Its members (were) performing different roles, including advertising items for sale, communicating with potential victims, arranging to meet them and directing them to predetermined locations.”
Sibeko said the suspects advertised items such as ice-cream machines, DJ sound systems and vehicles on Facebook Marketplace at attractive prices.
“Once potential victims expressed interest, they were allegedly provided with a location in Winterveld where they were instructed to meet the purported sellers.”
Ice-cream machine deal turns deadly
She said one of the incidents occurred on November 28, 2021, after a victim responded to an advertisement for an ice-cream machine.
“The victim travelled to Winterveld with his wife after communicating with the suspects.”
“Upon arrival, the victim was allegedly collected by a young boy who led him to a secluded location.”
She said the man was subsequently confronted by a group of armed suspects who pointed firearms at him and instructed him to exit his vehicle.
“During the confrontation, the victim attempted to defend himself but was overpowered and shot three times in the stomach.”
“He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to hospital.”
Four suspects arrested
She said that, following an intensive investigation, members of the Gauteng Provincial Organised Crime Unit, led by Detective Sergeant Sydney Siphiwe Tshabalala, conducted an operation in Winterveld on March 12, 2022, resulting in the arrest of four suspects.
Sibeko said an identification parade was subsequently conducted, during which three of the accused were positively identified by victims.
“Five victims came forward, and their cases were linked to the syndicate.”
She said the four accused were placed on the court roll in connection with five separate cases involving online marketplace robberies and carjackings.
They have remained in custody since March 23, 2022.
Maseko was found guilty of murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment plus 60 years’ direct imprisonment.
Ngwenya was convicted of murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment plus 75 years’ direct imprisonment.
Mtunzini was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment
Police welcome sentence
Meanwhile, acting Gauteng provincial police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana welcomed the outcome and commended the investigating team for their persistence in tracing and linking the suspects to the cases.
He also commented on Advocate Rodger Mareume from the Mahikeng DPP office and the Ga-Rankuwa High Court.
“This outcome demonstrates the importance of thorough investigations, collaboration between investigators and prosecutors, and the courage of victims who come forward to assist the criminal justice system.”
“We welcome the substantial sentences imposed by the court against those convicted and hope this serves as a warning to criminals who use online platforms to target unsuspecting members of the public,” Kekana said.
He further urged members of the public to exercise caution when responding to online advertisements, particularly those offering goods at prices that appear unusually attractive.
“Members of the public are encouraged to verify the identity and credibility of sellers and to arrange transactions in safe, public locations rather than travelling to isolated areas or unknown addresses.”
