Cape Town – A Facebook Marketplace vehicle listing turned violent when police moved in on a suspected car sale scam in Midrand, resulting in a shootout that left five suspects injured.
According to The Citizen, police had accompanied a potential buyer who had responded to a vehicle listing, only to discover that the sellers were allegedly part of a criminal group involved in a previous robbery.
When the suspects arrived and realised they were dealing with police officers, they opened fire, leading to a shootout.
Gauteng Deputy Police Commissioner Fred Kekana told Eyewitness News that the suspects were linked to an earlier case where a victim had been shot and robbed under similar circumstances.
“They approached the vehicle thinking it was their next target. When they realised it was a police operation, they opened fire. Officers had to defend themselves,” Kekana stated.
The police returned fire, injuring five of the seven suspects on the scene.
According to Daily Sun, emergency services were called in to treat the injured before they were arrested. Two other suspects fled, and police believe one of them may have been wounded.
DEVELOPING | Suspected online fraudsters have been injured in a shoot-out with police in Midrand. Acting Gauteng provincial commissioner Fred Kekana says the five suspects have since been arrested, adding that they are from Tembisa and Soweto. pic.twitter.com/Q3x5bdNion
— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 25, 2025
A police officer was also shot in the leg during the exchange and taken to hospital for treatment. The suspects’ vehicle was disabled when officers shot at its tyres, causing it to roll and contribute to some of the injuries. Firearms were recovered from the scene.
Kekana further cautioned members of the public to be vigilant when engaging in online transactions, saying that criminals are increasingly using platforms like Facebook to lure victims.
“I’d like to caution and sensitise our people… before that, just check the authenticity, engage the police… and the police will do their work through our intelligence,” he said.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of online marketplaces.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
