Three suspects have been arrested and charged with the murder of Glencairn businessman Ben Tuzee.
Ben Tuzee murder: Details emerge on the suspects
In a statement, Cape Town police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed lead investigators made a breakthrough in the case when three suspects were arrested on Monday.
The identities of the alleged murderers have yet to be made public. However, from what’s been confirmed, the men believed to be responsible for the vicious murder of Tuzee are aged 23, 18 and 16.
“The thorough investigation into the circumstances of this violent crime led detectives to the three suspects aged 23, 18 and 16, who are due to make a court appearance in Athlone once they have been charged with murder and hijacking,” Col. Traut noted.
How Tuzee fell victim to a dangerous Facebook Marketplace trap
The arrests come a week after Tuzee was lured to a location in Brown’s Farm, Philippi. under the pretence of selling a pre-owned television set he’d advertised on Facebook Marketplace.
According to information collected by police thus far, Tuzee and his niece found a potential buyer, who directed them to a property on Msenge Street at around 09:45 on Tuesday, 6 September 2022.
“Upon their arrival at the agreed location, the victim and his niece came under attack by three suspects, who fled with his vehicle after he sustained a fatal stab wound,” Traut revealed.
Miraculously, Tuzee’s niece survived the incident unscathed, “while the stolen vehicle was later recovered not far from the crime scene.”
Ben Tuzee murder opens a can of worms
The arrest of the three alleged murderers has led to breakthroughs in numerous open cases where victims were targeted in ambushes after advertising goods on social media.
“Ben Tuzee’s murder is not regarded an isolated incident as we are aware of more incidents where victims who made use of social media platforms to advertise items fell victim after they were requested to make the delivery to areas in Nyanga such as Browns Farm and Crossroads,” the police spokesperson added.
Cape Town police have since issued a stern warning to online sellers “that they must avoid making a delivery to an area that is unfamiliar to them, especially one with higher levels of crime.”
“We have reason to believe that criminals use their interest in an advertised item on social media platforms such as Market Place as a decoy to perpetrate a robbery or other serious and violent crime, by luring their victim to come to them. This modus operandi must be avoided by rather meeting the potential buyer at a public place which is regarded safe and familiar to the seller. Vigilance could prevent you from becoming a criminal’s next victim,” Traut said.