Cop: It is despicable and disgraceful
Widow who survived Nazis dies after she was mugged at 100
A 100-YEAR-OLD widow who suffered a broken neck when she was mugged walking to church has died.
Zofija Kaczan, who survived the Nazi occupation of Poland, was thrown to the pavement when her cowardly attacker pounced from behind.
The popular pensioner, described by friends as a “wonderful, proud woman”, was taken to hospital after last week’s mugging.
She was initially expected to survive and was discharged into a supported rehabilitation unit. But, tragically, Zofija’s condition deteriorated over the weekend and she died in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Police described the incident as “despicable” and said it was one of the worst attacks they had ever investigated. Zofija, known as Sophia, was left covered in blood after the attack, but the “resilient” pensioner managed to stumble to her church.
Neighbours said she could have had as much as £1,000 in her bag because she had a big electricity bill to pay.
Her friends threw a surprise party to celebrate her 100th birthday last month.
Neighbour Mumtaz Begum, 68, said: “Sophia was lovely. She was a good lady who looked out for everyone. I just feel very sad. She would always ask how you and your family were. She was so caring.”
Stacia Fitzsimmons, 55, added: “Sophia was like a mum to me. I can’t begin to describe how awful this is.
“She was a wonderful, proud woman. She was my best mate. We did everything for each other.
“What happened is unbelievable. It’s vile.”
Another resident, who asked not to be named, added: “Sophia was a perfect neighbour. She was so popular.
“She survived the Nazi occupation of Poland during the war. To get through all that and die like this is just terrible.”
Zofija was forced to work in German factories by the Nazis after they invaded Poland in 1939. She moved to the UK with husband Micoli after the Second World War. He worked at the RollsRoyce factory in Derby, but died a decade ago.
The devoted couple did not have any children.
Police renewed their appeal for witnesses to the attack in Normanton, Derby. They believe a beige Seat Leon could be linked.
Supt Tracey Harrison said: “It is one of the worst targeted crimes I have dealt with.”
She added: “It’s despicable, disgraceful and disgusting.” A 39-year-old man was arrested and later released under investigation.
Sophia looked out for everyone. She was so caring MUMTAZ BEGUM SHOCKED NEIGHBOUR