NYANGA residents in the Western Cape say they're gatvol with young thugs who have been robbing e-hailing service drivers and people trading gadgets on Facebook Marketplace.
This follows a brutal robbery incident on Tuesday, 22 July, when a man was lured to Boys Town under the pretence of selling electronic devices, only to be attacked and left bleeding on Doctor Kelvan Street.
Residents said the gang operates by creating fake Facebook accounts, posing as potential buyers.
They reach out to online sellers, usually trading cellphones, laptops, and other gadgets, and arrange meet-ups in Nyanga. Once the sellers arrive, the boys pounce.
On Tuesday, 22 July, a resident witnessed the robbery.
"They took his belongings and started beating him up. They were caught on camera while busy," said the resident.
She said the man was robbed of his phone, money, and all the gadgets he was supposed to sell.
During the assault, his car keys fell off, which prevented the boys from stealing the vehicle.
After failing to find the keys in his pockets, they fled. Injured and shaken, the man was helped by residents who got him to the police station.
Residents said this wasn't the first such attack.
They claim the boys are part of a growing criminal trend that includes targeting e-hailing service drivers.
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"They use fake accounts to request a ride, and when the drivers arrive, they rob them too," said another resident.
Nyanga Community Police Forum secretary Dumisani Qwabe said they've been trying to urge people to meet at the police station, but these calls seem to have fallen on deaf ears.
"These boys have been doing this for a long time, and it's difficult to police their activities.
"All we've been trying to do is advise e-hailing service drivers and traders not to go to these places. They should meet customers at the police station, instead. It's unfortunate that despite all the, advice, people continue to get robbed," said Qwabe.
Police spokesman Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that they're investigating the incident.
"Nyanga police are investigating robbery and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm cases following an incident in which an adult male was robbed and assaulted by three unknown suspects on Tuesday, 22 July, around 11am.
"The victim sustained injuries to his face. The suspects fled the scene with the victim's personal belongings and are yet to be arrested," said Twigg.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
