Five suspects injured in Midrand Facebook scam shootout

MIDRAND - Five online robbery suspects have been injured during a shootout with police this afternoon in Midrand, Johannesburg.

The incident occurred as police were investigating a case of armed robbery linked to a bogus car sale conducted on the social media platform, Facebook Marketplace.

Last week, a prospective buyer was shot and robbed in the same area after arriving at an agreed meeting point to close the deal.

Police said the same suspects tried to lure another victim today using the same car as bait.

Deputy Gauteng Police Commissioner Fred Kekana said they had been zeroing in on similar incidents, which have become rife in the area in recent weeks.

He said police made a breakthrough when a Facebook buyer decided to report the suspicious deal to authorities, who then followed up on the matter.

“They were coming thinking they were going to rob this victim, not knowing that the vehicle they were approaching was the police. Only upon arrival did they start shooting at the police and officers had to defend themselves,” he said.

Kekana said five of the seven suspects were injured during the shootout and are receiving medical care on scene before being taken into custody.

He said two suspects managed to flee the area, one of whom is believed to have been wounded in the exchange of fire.

One police officer, who was shot in the leg, has been rushed to hospital where he is receiving treatment.