Two men have been stabbed in a violent incident that occurred during a Facebook Marketplace phone sale in Maddington, a suburb of Perth. The Western Australia Police are now searching for the individuals involved in the attack, which took place on Sunday night.
According to authorities, two groups of people had organized to meet at a property on Berry Court through Facebook Marketplace. The sale was centered around an iPhone, which was later found to be counterfeit. Tensions escalated, leading to an altercation between the two groups, resulting in the stabbing of two men aged 39 and 28.
Both victims were immediately rushed to Royal Perth Hospital with serious injuries. As of now, they are reported to be in stable condition. The police are urging anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward.
Unfortunately, this is not the first violent incident associated with a Facebook Marketplace transaction in the area. In a separate incident, a man was lured to an address by a fake Facebook profile where he was robbed and slashed by a teenage girl. The incident occurred when two girls, aged 15 and 13, expressed interest in buying the man’s advertised iPhone 12 for $750. However, once they arranged to meet at a Banksia Grove address, the situation turned violent.
CCTV footage captured the horrifying events, showing the man pursuing the two teens after allegedly being robbed and attacked at the property. The teenagers proceeded to attack the man’s face with knives before he gave chase once again. The incident clearly displayed one of the teens running with a knife while crying and screaming.
During subsequent court proceedings, it was revealed that the attack was carefully planned and coordinated. The weapon used in the assault had been purchased from a local store beforehand. The older co-offender, aged 15, was sentenced to imprisonment, while the younger individual received an eight-month intensive supervision order.
These incidents highlight the potential dangers associated with online marketplace transactions. While Facebook Marketplace provides a convenient platform for buying and selling items, it is important for users to exercise caution and prioritize personal safety. It is advisable to meet in well-populated and public areas, especially when dealing with individuals you do not know personally.
The Western Australia Police are urging residents to report any suspicious activity or encounters while using online marketplaces. By remaining vigilant and taking necessary precautions, we can work together to ensure the safety of our community during online transactions.
