Sangoma Falls Victim to Car Scam
A female sangoma from Atteridgeville, Tshwane, recently became a victim of an online scam in Winterveld. She was robbed of her VW Polo on Monday, 21 October 2024, during an attempt to purchase another Polo through Facebook Marketplace, where similar scams are reportedly frequent.
In an interview with Daily Sun, the woman expressed her shock, stating, “Yes, I was robbed, and my car was taken away. My friend and I were not harmed, and I’m grateful for that.”
Though she is a sangoma, she admitted that her ancestors did not forewarn her of the danger. “I need to consult them on that,” she said, vowing to seek ancestral revenge on those who wronged her. Initially open to a visit from the SunTeam for photos in her indumba, she later became unreachable.
The scam unfolded when she and her friend arrived in Extension 3, Mhlaombe, Winterveld, where they were greeted by a young boy who directed them to a second location. Sensing danger, they attempted to leave but were approached by four men. One suspect brandished a firearm, forcing them into nearby bushes.
Tshwane District police spokesperson Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk confirmed the robbery. “The suspects demanded access to their banking apps, but no funds were transferred due to insufficient balance. They then fled in the stolen Polo, leaving the victims behind.”
Police have opened a case of carjacking and armed robbery. Van Dyk urged the public to use reputable online platforms and consider meeting sellers at police stations for safety.
