Police closing in on woman scam artist

KWAZULU-NATAL police are closing in on a woman scamming the elderly in Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

She gains entry into their homes on the pretence of selling healing products and steals items such as gold jewellery and cellphones.

After the Independent on Saturday ran the story last week, several Durban residents said they had been scammed.

KZN SAPS spokeswoman Colonel Thembeka Mbhele said several cases had been noted in recent weeks.

In one incident, a 71-yearold woman was targeted.

“The elderly woman was allegedly accosted at her home in Granada Road, Shallcross, by an unknown woman who pretended to promote a massage machine. After the suspect left, the victim discovered jewellery and other valuables had been stolen. A case of theft was opened at Chatsworth police station for investigation. No arrest has been made,” she said.

Police are hesitant to release further information as they say they are close on netting the scamster.

Sergeant Mtokozisi Ngobese, spokesman for the uMgungundlovu North Cluster, said several victims had positively identified the suspect from police photographs.

“The alleged conwoman is known to police. But we don’t want to release her image or further information as we don’t want to jeopardise the investigation,” said Ngobese.

Mbhele said the cases all had the same modus operandi.

“We cannot divulge more information as the investigation is continuing.

“Other cases were opened at Berea and Pietermaritzburg. We appeal to all the victims to report such incidents so that we can investigate and apprehend the criminals. We also urge the community not to let strangers into their homes,” said Mbhele.