Four men aged between 18 and 25 have been arrested in connection with a robbery and kidnapping case linked to an alleged online scam in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria.

According to SAPS Rietgat, the incident took place on 29 May after a victim responded to a Facebook Marketplace advertisement offering mag rims for sale at R3,500.The victim communicated with the supposed seller and was given a location in Block PP1, Soshanguve, to complete the purchase.Upon arrival, a young man approached the victim and claimed to be connected to the seller.He then directed the victim to a nearby second location and accompanied him in the vehicle.Once there, the man exited the vehicle, allegedly to contact the seller.Shortly afterwards, an armed suspect approached the vehicle and ordered the victim into the back seat.Three additional suspects joined him and took control of the situation.The group reportedly attempted to steal the victim’s vehicle but were unable to do so.

They then escorted the victim to a nearby bushy area, where they robbed him of personal belongings and forced him to provide access to his cellphone and banking application.The suspects allegedly transferred R4,000 from the victim’s Capitec bank account and stole several other items.The victim was later released without physical injury.Following an investigation, SAPS members traced and arrested four suspects on 1 June.They are expected to face charges relating to robbery and kidnapping.The case highlights the risks associated with online marketplace transactions and the importance of meeting sellers in secure public locations.