A Mercedes-Benz that was reported stolen during a house robbery in Table View, Cape Town, was intercepted near Three Sisters in the Northern Cape. Three male suspects were arrested and an accompanying Audi seized.
During the tactical stop and search on Saturday, 3 May, at approximately 15:45, the three suspects, were arrested. They are aged 24 to 36 years. The law enforcement officers also recovered several items, including laptops, cellphones, and other valuables.
The stolen vehicle was traced with the assistance of surveillance technology provided by SA Polygraph and Investigation Services (Sapis). Lt Col Sergio Kock, police spokesperson in the Northern Cape, said the vehicle was identified as travelling in the Three Sisters area.
Kock says after the nearby location of the vehicle was known, members of the Highway Patrol in Colesberg responded swiftly. They intercepted the stolen Mercedes-Benz and accompanying Audi, and arrested the three suspects.
The suspects were charged with possession of suspected stolen vehicles and property. They are expected to appear in court soon.
The management of the South African Police Service (SAPS) commends the Highway Patrol team from Colesberg, Sapis, and all involved stakeholders for their effective collaboration, exemplifying the success of integrated policing efforts.
Warning on new online scam
In an unrelated incident, the SAPS is urging the public to remain vigilant of a new online scam that has recently emerged.
During investigations, authorities identified a scheme in which victims receive WhatsApp messages from individuals appearing to be in their contact list.
Because the messages originate from known contacts, it seems trustworthy, said Col Cherelle Ehlers, police spokesperson in the Northern Cape.
However, the content typically includes a request to participate in a survey and asks the recipient to provide a one-time pin (OTP).
Once the unsuspecting victim receives the OTP, they are prompted to send it back to the original sender. It is believed that scammers then use this OTP to gain unauthorised access to the victim’s banking accounts, said Ehlers.
The SAPS advises all online users to verify the identity of anyone requesting sensitive information and to never share an OTP unless they have personally initiated the request.
It is important to note that legitimate banking institutions do not send OTPs unsolicited or ask clients to forward it.
Valuable advice
- Never share your bank card number, PIN, or other confidential banking information electronically -especially with unknown sources.
- Be wary of offers that appear too good to be true, as they often are.
- Always exercise caution when dealing with online communications. If in doubt, contact your bank or the police directly.
- Suspicious activities can be reported via the MySAPS App or the Crime stop number 08600 10111. In the event of extortion, the national hotline can be reached at 0800 911 011. All information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
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