FROM THE COURTS: Jouberton, North West: A police investigation into a syndicate that lured victims through fake Facebook vehicle and taxi advertisements has led to the conviction of two men in the Stilfontein Regional Court.

Cleopas Msipa (51) and Tshepiso De Beer (46) have both pleaded guilty to theft and were each sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years.

The court heard that victims responding to online adverts were lured to premises where a group of men posed as Potchefstroom police officers. Victims were separated, interrogated, and falsely told that gold‑bearing material or diamonds had been discovered at the premises. 

They were then threatened with arrest and forced to hand over money or transfer funds. In some cases, bank cards were stolen and used for transactions at taverns and other businesses.

In March 2023, the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, working with Crime Intelligence, carried out an entrapment operation that resulted in the arrest of eight suspects. Identification parades later linked several of them to additional cases with the same modus operandi.

The matter against three remaining accused has been postponed to 21 October 2026, with the suspects remanded in custody pending a new trial date.

North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, praised Detective Constable Thabiso Pheela for his diligent work in connecting the accused to outstanding cases. He also commended the multidisciplinary team for their efforts in bringing the syndicate before court.

Police have urged the public to remain vigilant when responding to social media advertisements, particularly for vehicles and other high‑value items, stressing the importance of verifying sellers and transactions before making payments or sharing personal information.