Another car stolen in test drive scam
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday May 7, 2025 06:00
Mogoditshane Police Station commander, Superintendent Mbiganyi Letsholathebe, told The Monitor that a 32-year-old man recently lost his car after meeting with a potential buyer he interacted with on social media.
According to Letsholathebe, the victim had advertised his Honda Fit on Facebook, where an unknown man expressed interest in buying the vehicle.
Then, the station commander said, the two agreed to meet at Choppies in Tsolamosese on May 1, 2025.
“The buyer arrived with another man and requested to test drive the car. They drove along the Gaborone–Gabane road. Whilst on the way, the man posing as the buyer allegedly asked the owner to stop near Turnright Mall so he could take the wheel and get a better feel of the car,' Letsholathebe said.
“When the car owner stepped out to switch seats and attempted to get into the back seat, the suspects sped off, leaving him behind.'
Letsholathebe added police have launched an investigation in search of the suspects and the stolen car.
“This is the second incident in just two weeks and we are still searching for the Mazda Demio that was stolen earlier.
“We urge members of the public to avoid meeting potential car buyers in unsecured public areas. Criminals seem to be targeting individuals selling vehicles through social media platforms,' he said.