Ice‑cream‑machine Facebook ad led to ambush; two men given life sentences, third jailed

Three men have been sentenced over a plot that prosecutors say used Facebook Marketplace listings to lure victims into robberies, one of which ended in a fatal shooting after a man answered an advert for an ice‑cream machine.

Who was convicted and the sentences

The Ga‑Rankuwa High Court sentenced Sifiso Maseko and Thapelo Ngwenya to life imprisonment. Ntsindiso Alfred Mtunzini received a 15‑year sentence. A fourth accused, Kabelo Ngwenya, was acquitted.

How investigators say the syndicate operated

Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said the sentences followed an investigation into a syndicate that allegedly used advertisements on Facebook Marketplace to attract victims and then robbed them of vehicles and other valuables.

Sibeko said the probe grew from five cases registered at Loate Police Station between November 2021 and March 2022. The suspects faced charges including murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

She said investigators concluded the group operated as an organised criminal syndicate with members performing different roles: advertising items for sale, communicating with potential victims, arranging meetings and directing them to predetermined locations.

Sibeko said the suspects advertised items such as ice‑cream machines, DJ sound systems and vehicles at attractive prices on Facebook Marketplace, and then instructed interested buyers to meet in Winterveld.

The fatal ambush

One incident occurred on 28 November 2021, when a victim who had responded to an ice‑cream‑machine advertisement travelled to Winterveld with his wife. According to Sibeko, the man was collected by a young boy who led him to a secluded location, where he was confronted by armed suspects.

During the confrontation, the suspects allegedly pointed firearms at the victim and instructed him to exit his vehicle. Sibeko said, “During the confrontation, the victim attempted to defend himself but was overpowered and shot three times in the stomach.”

“He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to hospital.”

Arrests and identification parade

Following an investigation, members of the Gauteng Provincial Organised Crime Unit, led by Detective Sergeant Sydney Siphiwe Tshabalala, conducted an operation in Winterveld on 12 March 2022 that resulted in the arrest of four suspects. The four were placed on the court roll in connection with five separate cases involving online‑marketplace robberies and carjackings.

Sibeko said an identification parade was held and three of the accused were positively identified by victims. “Five victims came forward, and their cases were linked to the syndicate.” The accused have remained in custody since 23 March 2022.

Police reaction

Acting Gauteng provincial police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana welcomed the sentencing and commended investigators and prosecutors. He said the outcome demonstrated “the importance of thorough investigations, collaboration between investigators and prosecutors, and the courage of victims who come forward to assist the criminal justice system.”

Kekana added: “We welcome the substantial sentences imposed by the court against those convicted and hope this serves as a warning to criminals who use online platforms to target unsuspecting members of the public.”

Public safety advice

Kekana urged members of the public to be cautious when responding to online advertisements. He said: “Members of the public are encouraged to verify the identity and credibility of sellers and to arrange transactions in safe, public locations rather than travelling to isolated areas or unknown addresses.”