Cape Town - Three suspects were detained yesterday in connection to Ben Tuzee's murder.
This comes after a possible buyer lured the victim, 51, and his niece to make the delivery of the television that Tuzee advertised on Facebook.
When the victim and his niece arrived at the agreed-upon place, they were then attacked by three individuals, who left with his car.
According to police reports, Tuzee's niece was uninjured in the event, and the stolen car was subsequently discovered not far from the crime scene.
Police spokesperson Colonel André Traut said that a detailed investigation into the details of this brutal crime led investigators to the three suspects, aged 23, 18, and 16, who are set to appear in court in Athlone once charged with murder and hijacking.
“Ben Tuzee’s murder is not regarded an isolated incident as we are aware of more incidents where victims who made use of social media platforms to advertise items fell victim after they were requested to make the delivery to areas in Nyanga, such as Browns Farm and Crossroads. It is on this basis that SAPS would like to issue a stern warning to the public that they must avoid making a delivery to an area that is unfamiliar to them, especially one with higher levels of crime.
“We have reason to believe that criminals use their interest in an advertised item on social media platforms, such as Market Place, as a decoy to perpetrate a robbery or other serious and violent crime by luring their victim to come to them. This modus operandi must be avoided by rather meeting the potential buyer at a public place which is regarded as safe and familiar to the seller,” said Traut.
Western Cape Police Board (WCPB) spokesperson Mark N. Lintnaar said that while the board has noticed with concern the general lawlessness and acts of violent crime in the province, the board encourages members of the communities to become more vigilant and to be the eyes and ears of the community and to report any acts of criminality.
“The WCPB has noted with concern the general lawlessness and acts of violent crime in our province over the last few weeks. The provincial board stands firm that the most vulnerable in communities should be protected by our Crime Prevention, Security and Criminal Justice System.
“In the same vein, the Board also calls on members of our communities to become more vigilant and to be the eyes and ears of the community and to report any acts of criminality.
“The Provincial Board wishes to commend the SAPS for the establishment of the Anti kidnapping unit meant to deal with the scourge of kidnappings. The Provincial Board stands in Unity with our partners, the SAPS and the Department of Community Safety and all other Law enforcement agencies to secure the safety of our communities and to fight crime towards a Safer Western Cape,” said Lintnaar.