Watch Video As Elderly Female Pensioner Is Robbed By Man On First Date in Durban
Durban, KZN – A 66-year-old pensioner was left stranded and devastated after being robbed by a man she met on an online dating platform. The incident occurred on Wednesday after the woman had been communicating with the suspect for three months. The video was edited to protect the identity of the victim.
Members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) were called to a service station north of Durban at approximately 14:22 to assist the distressed victim. She recounted to officers how she had met the suspect on the dating site Badoo, where he introduced himself as a 54-year-old mechanic named Salim, claiming to own a mechanical workshop in Pinetown, KZN. Their conversation later moved to WhatsApp, where they made plans to meet in person.
During their conversation on Tuesday night, the pensioner mentioned that she needed to withdraw her SASSA Old Age Grant as well as her 84-year-old mother’s grant. The suspect then offered to drive her to an ATM before they went on their first date.
How the Robbery Unfolded
On Wednesday, the suspect arrived in a white Opel Corsa and picked up the pensioner near her home in south Durban (location withheld). They proceeded to Galleria Mall in Amanzimtoti, where she withdrew both grants.
After the transaction, the suspect suggested that they visit Hazelmere Dam, a recreational facility 61 kilometers from the mall, to relax. They spent nearly three hours at the dam before deciding to get a meal.
The suspect then drove them to a service station, where the woman asked to use the restroom. As soon as she stepped out of the vehicle, the suspect sped away, leaving her stranded.
Her handbag, which contained R2,000 in cash, her mother’s identity document, ATM cards, and cellphone, was inside the car. The handbag was later recovered near a casino, but the cash and valuable items were missing.
Investigation Underway
Reaction Officers obtained CCTV footage from the service station, capturing the suspect’s vehicle. They also managed to retrieve part of the car’s registration number (ND 261). The suspect is believed to be a repeat offender, having allegedly scammed multiple women seeking companionship online.
A criminal case has been registered, and officers are actively tracking the suspect.
Authorities urge the public to be cautious when meeting strangers from online platforms, particularly in private or secluded locations. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
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