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Thousands if not millions of people buy and sell on Facebook Marketplace every month.

While some people may have picked up a lekker bargain or sold their unwanted thingamabobs, others were not so lucky on the sales platform.

Two brothers, aged 19 and 30, were murdered in Nelson Mandela Bay after responding to a Facebook advertisement for a television set.

The Eastern Cape police said in a statement on Sunday that they were “deeply concerned and saddened” by these “senseless” deaths, per Sowetan Live.

Col Priscilla Naidu said the brothers, Aaron and Kyle Alberts from St Albans, responded to the ad for a TV set on Facebook’s Marketplace only to be lured under false pretences.

“They were robbed and tragically shot to death,” Naidu said.

The perpetrators provided the wrong address to mislead them and then allegedly stole their cellphones, cash, and vehicle before killing them.

“The brothers went to a house in Ceru Steet in NU 5 in Motherwell and were informed that no such ad was placed and the occupants of the house bore no knowledge of any sale. While still at the address, they were approached by two suspects who shot and robbed them. Their bakkie was recovered not far from the crime scene,” said Naidu.

While the police investigate the double murder, they are warning everyone else about the dangers of online sales.

“We urge the public to exercise caution and diligence when using social media platforms to make purchases. Verify the credibility of sellers, conduct transactions in safe locations, and consider involving law enforcement if there are any suspicions,” Naidu said.

Personally, I choose the transaction location and ensure the sale is done with cash only.

Nelson Mandela Bay district commissioner Maj-Gen Vuyisile Ncata said that although this was not the first time people had fallen victim to such scams, it was the first time people had lost their lives.

“We are urging people to report to the police station and request police to accompany you instead of going on your own. There are hotspot danger zones which should be avoided.”

What an absolute travesty.

Ncata said that their hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time, adding “We are committed to pursuing justice for the victims and ensuring the safety of our community”.

[source:sowetanlive]