Dating-app trap: Two arrested after alleged Cape Town robberies - IOL
Suspected stolen bank cards, mobile phones, portable Point of Sale (POS) card machines, and false Gauteng number plates laid out following the arrest of two alleged dating scam syndicate members in Cape Town.
A suspected dating app robbery syndicate that allegedly lured people into romantic encounters before drugging them and stealing their valuables is under investigation following the arrest of two men in the Cape Town CBD.
Police are investigating whether the suspects, aged between 20 and 25, are linked to several cases across the Western Cape.
Four card payment machines, bank and identity cards, cellphones, cash and jewellery were among the items recovered during searches of a vehicle and residence.
According to authorities, the victims were then allegedly drugged and robbed of valuable personal belongings.
The operation unfolded around lunchtime when Neighbourhood Safety Officers received a tip-off regarding a suspicious Audi A3 linked to an active theft case registered at Cape Town Central SAPS.
Officers tracked and located the vehicle in the Cape Town CBD, initiating surveillance. During the stakeout, SAPS alerted the monitoring team that the occupants were wanted in connection with multiple open dockets and were suspected of operating within a broader, high-value syndicate targeting dating app users.
After several hours of observation, two men were seen entering the vehicle and driving off. Metro Police intercepted the car shortly thereafter. With the driverβs consent, officers conducted a search of the vehicle.
Both suspects were immediately detained and transported to Cape Town Central SAPS.
Following the initial arrests, SAPS and Metro Police executed a follow-up search at the suspects' residence. During the raid, officers uncovered an undisclosed amount of cash, assorted jewellery, illicit drugs, and a fourth POS terminal.
Investigations remain ongoing as detectives probe whether the suspects are connected to additional unresolved drugging and robbery cases across the Western Cape.
