A couple from San Michel in Noordhoek managed to survive an assault in Browns Farm, Philippi last week after meeting up with an individual posing as a seller on Facebook Marketplace.
Also read: Facebook Marketplace seller fatally stabbed after delivering TV
The couple, who unfortunately lost their belongings, managed to escape the situation unharmed and said that they were not aware that Browns Farm, Philippi was a crime hotspot area.
IOL reported that Donna da Silva (60) a retired social worker, along with her husband Tony da Silva (68) successfully survived an attack orchestrated by an individual who identified themselves as ‘Sinelethu’ during their WhatsApp exchanges.
The couple had gone into the area to purchase two heaters that were advertised for sale on Marketplace.
Donna recounted that on the day of the incident, heavy rainfall prompted her to suggest postponing the meeting, but the seller persistently insisted, claiming a need for the money to provide for his children and pets.
‘He promised that his father was waiting for me at his house to hand over the heaters to us. They assaulted my husband, smacking him and threatening to stab him. We lost a phone, jewellery and a laptop, ‘ she said.
According to Donna, her husband defended himself by delivering a swing, allowing the couple to escape the grasp of the three assailants. Donna managed to drive away with one hand on the steering wheel while pulling her husband, who was partially inside the car, with her other hand.
She added, ‘Those guys wanted to take our car as well but my husband fought a good fight. I think because he is left-handed he was able to defend himself in an unexpected way. Driving off, I was holding on to his upper body while the other half was hanging outside.’
According to SAPS spokesperson Malcolm Potjie, no arrests have been made.
Police have expressed their concern over a growing number of incidents where individuals advertising their goods on online platforms become targets of robberies or more severe offences after being enticed by criminals posing as buyers, specifically for making deliveries in particular areas.
In addition to Browns Farm in Philippi, which has already been recognised as a high-risk area, SAPS has now included parts of the West Coast and the Winelands regions on their list.
Also read:
Online marketplace users cautioned after attempted robbery in Athlone
Picture: Unsplash