A Gauteng man who travelled to Winterveld to buy an ice-cream machine was ambushed, shot three times and left fighting for his life after responding to an advertisement on Facebook Marketplace.
The victim had travelled with his wife on 28 November 2021 after communicating with people who appeared to be selling the machine online. What seemed like an ordinary purchase quickly turned into a deadly robbery when he was allegedly led to a secluded location and confronted by armed men.
The man was shot three times in the stomach during the attack. He later died from his injuries while being transported to hospital.
Three men linked to the robbery have now been sentenced in the Ga-Rankuwa High Court. Sifiso Maseko and Thapelo Ngwenya were each sentenced to life imprisonment, while Ntsindiso Alfred Mtunzini received a 15-year prison sentence.
A fourth accused, Kabelo Ngwenya, was acquitted.
The case formed part of a wider investigation into an organised criminal group accused of using Facebook Marketplace to lure unsuspecting victims into dangerous areas before robbing them of their vehicles and valuables.
How The Facebook Marketplace Syndicate Worked
Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said the sentences followed an extensive investigation into five cases registered at Loate Police Station between November 2021 and March 2022. The suspects faced serious charges, including murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
According to Sibeko, the investigation established that the group allegedly operated as an organised criminal syndicate, with different members handling different parts of the operation.
“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.”
The group allegedly posted advertisements for ice-cream machines, DJ sound systems and vehicles. The prices were attractive enough to draw the attention of people looking for affordable goods.
Once a potential buyer showed interest, the person was allegedly given a meeting point in Winterveld. Instead of being taken to a genuine seller, victims were directed to locations where armed suspects were waiting.
“Once potential victims expressed interest, they were allegedly provided with a location in Winterveld where they were instructed to meet the purported sellers.”
The murder victim’s case was one of the incidents connected to the alleged syndicate.
Buyer Led To Secluded Location
On the day of the attack, the victim arrived in Winterveld with his wife after communicating with the supposed sellers.
“The victim travelled to Winterveld with his wife after communicating with the suspects.”
When they arrived, the victim was allegedly met by a young boy who appeared to be part of the arrangement. The boy then led him away from the main area and towards a secluded location.
“Upon arrival, the victim was allegedly collected by a young boy who led him to a secluded location.”
The situation changed when the man encountered a group of armed suspects. The men allegedly pointed firearms at him and ordered him to leave his vehicle.
Police said the victim tried to defend himself during the confrontation but was overpowered.
“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.”
The incident showed how quickly an online deal could turn into a violent attack when a buyer was directed to an unknown and isolated place.
Five Victims Linked To The Group
After the fatal attack and other reported robberies, investigators worked to establish whether the cases were connected.
Members of the Gauteng Provincial Organised Crime Unit, led by Detective Sergeant Sydney Siphiwe Tshabalala, conducted an operation in Winterveld on 12 March 2022.
The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects.
An identification parade was later held. Three of the accused were positively identified by victims, police said.
“Five victims came forward, and their cases were linked to the syndicate.”
The four accused were placed on the court roll in connection with five separate cases involving online marketplace robberies and carjackings.
They remained in custody from 23 March 2022 while the case continued through the courts.
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, as well as an additional 60 years’ direct imprisonment.
Ngwenya was convicted of murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He received life imprisonment plus 75 years’ direct imprisonment.
Mtunzini was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment.
The court acquitted Kabelo Ngwenya.
Police Welcome Heavy Sentences
Acting Gauteng provincial police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana welcomed the outcome and praised the investigation team for tracing the suspects and linking them to the separate cases.
He also recognised Advocate Rodger Mareume from the Mahikeng DPP office and the Ga-Rankuwa High Court for their roles in the case.
“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.”
Kekana said the sentences were welcomed because the accused had used online platforms to target members of the public who believed they were responding to legitimate advertisements.
“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 urged people to be careful when responding to online advertisements, particularly when goods are being offered 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.”
The case has ended with lengthy sentences for those convicted, but the details of the attack remain a warning to anyone using online marketplaces. A cheap deal can come with a serious risk when the seller’s identity is not checked and the meeting place is hidden from public view.
What began as a search for an ice-cream machine ended in a family losing a loved one and a group of accused people facing the full weight of the law.
