Two young brothers from Nelson Mandela Bay were fatally shot after being deceived by a Facebook Marketplace scam.
Nelson Mandela Bay probe Facebook Marketplace double murder
On Saturday afternoon, Aaron, 19, and Kyle Alberts, 30, from St Albans, Eastern Cape, were enticed by an online advertisement for a television.
According to police, the seller provided a false address in Motherwell, leading the brothers to a residence on Ceru Street.
Upon arrival, they learned from the home’s occupants that no such advertisement had been posted.
As they processed the confusion, two assailants approached and fatally shot the brothers, subsequently robbing them of their cellphones, cash, and vehicle.
The Alberts’ vehicle was later found near the scene.
The police’s Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Investigation Unit in Gqeberha has since opened two murder investigations.
The authorities have expressed a deep concern over the deceitful tactics used through social media platforms and the brutal nature of the crime.
“We urge the public to exercise caution and diligence when using social media platforms to make purchases,” the police expressed in a statement.
Safety precautions to take before buying on Facebook Marketplace
In response to the tragic event, law enforcement officials urge the public to practice extreme caution when engaging in transactions over social media.
Major General Vuyisile Ncata of the Nelson Mandela Bay District emphasised the importance of verifying seller credibility and ensuring transaction locations are safe.
The public is advised to involve local police when entering unfamiliar territories or when transactions seem suspicious.
The prevalence of robbery on Facebook Marketplace has become a growing concern, with numerous incidents reported where individuals have been scammed or violently targeted after responding to listings.
To navigate Facebook Marketplace safely, users should adhere to several best practices.
These include:
- meeting in public, crowded and well-lit areas for transactions;
- verifying the seller’s identity through their profile and past transaction history;
- using secure payment methods instead of cash; and
- never sharing personal information.
Additionally, merchants are advised to bring a friend to transactions and to listen to one’s instincts—if a deal sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
By implementing these safety tips, users can mitigate risks and protect themselves from potential scams and violence.
