Cape Town - Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of Ben Tuzee, who was lured to Browns Farm by a potential buyer for his TV which had been advertised on social media.
Police spokesperson Andrè Traut said Nyanga detectives arrested the suspects, aged 16, 18 and 23, on Monday.
Tuzee, 51, and his niece were requested by a potential buyer to make the delivery at Msenge Street at around 9.45am last Tuesday. According to reports, the TV had been advertised on Facebook Marketplace.
“Upon their arrival at the agreed location, the victim and his niece came under attack by three suspects, who fled with his vehicle after he sustained a fatal stab wound.
“Tuzee’s niece survived the incident and was unharmed, while the stolen vehicle was later recovered not far from the crime scene,” Traut said.
Thorough investigation led detectives to the three suspects who are due to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court once they have been charged with murder and hijacking, Traut said.
“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 Marketplace 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 safe and familiar to the seller. Vigilance could prevent you from becoming a criminal’s next victim,” Traut said.
Cape Times