Caught out by camera

IF YOU’RE looking for a second-hand camera – one that’s particularly good at snapping fast cars – you’re in luck. Or at least, you were.

A hoax advert on social media selling a speed camera under a tree in Albany Road in Port Elizabeth has grabbed plenty of online attention – including that of the municipality.

The ad, posted by a person using the alias Haggis, briefly states: “Grey box camera. Collect it on the side of Albany Road.”

The advert, posted on Gumtree shortly before 7pm on Thursday, is titled “Grey Camera” and lists the sale price as R42 750 under the “Used electronics for sale in Port Elizabeth” category.

By 7.30pm, a screen grab of the post had been circulated by numerous people via WhatsApp.

Gumtree spokesman Estelle Nagel said they were unable to confirm the number of viewers of the advert but confirmed they had taken it down by late yesterday morning.

“We can confirm the poster has not had any takers on his offer. Perhaps the price tag of R42 750 is a little too steep as we have plenty of cameras, Go-Pros and drones that take much better photographs than the camera in question for much less,” she added.

Municipal safety and security head John Best said they were aware of the hoax and thought it was amusing.

“We, however, need to be realistic and those cameras are not for sale and if anyone does take them, it is a criminal offence,” he added. — TMG