FLORENTIA – A Florentia resident was the victim of an online fraudster after his motorcycle was stolen and then reportedly re-advertised on the online classifieds market place, OLX.
Johann Bester advertised his motorcycle for sale on OLX, Gumtree and Facebook and on July 28 he received a call from a Marcus Freezer who made him an offer for the motorcycle.
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Freezer told Bester that he will do an electronic funds transfer (EFT) and will send his drivers to collect the motorcycle.
“After waiting for some time Bester received a call that Marcus’ delivery men were in Alberton, but that they were unable to find the address,” said Rudi Fouché, vice-chairman of the Sector 2 Community Police Forum (CPF).
“Bester and a friend went to their location and brought them to his residence. They helped the men load the motorcycle onto a KIA 2700 bakkie.”
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The men then handed over the proof of payment as well as a copy of Freezer’s identity document (ID) before they left.
“The next morning Bester was notified that he might have been scammed. He then immediately contacted the CPF for help,” explained Fouché.
The CPF did a registration check on the KIA 2700 and saw that the vehicle was registered as stolen.
On August 20 Bester spotted his stolen motorcycle for sale in Edenvale on both OLX and Gumtree.
“He contacted the CPF again and they took charge. With the help of his family, CPF and the police, an appointment was made to view the motorcycle,” said Fouché.
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One of the CPF members together with Bester’s mother went to identify the motorcycle while other CPF members and the police investigators stayed outside for backup.
“After the motorcycle had been identified the CPF member made an offer. The seller said that he would deliver the motorcycle that Sunday, August 23, but required a deposit first.”
The CPF member agreed and asked for the gate to be opened in order for him to collect the money.
“Once the gate was opened, all the CPF members and the police closed in on the seller and took him into custody and confiscated the stolen motorcycle.”
All members together with the accused went to the Alberton Police Station where the seller was questioned.
“The seller said that he had bought the motorcycle from someone else.”
No arrests have been made yet as police are still investigating the matter.
