Three residents at the Molendam Old Age Home were robbed on Friday morning by a fraudster who offered to clean their jewellery.
Resident Patrys Niemann said a man arrived at the complex, offering the residents bread and blankets. Once the man was permitted entry, he asked the women if they had any gold or jewellery they would like cleaned as he had brought cleaning chemicals with him.
Three women gave him their jewellery, which included wedding rings, bracelets and necklaces, which he put in a container with the chemicals.
According to Niemann, the man said the jewellery should soak in the solution for at least 10 minutes. He then left saying he would return shortly with more blankets and duvets. The women soon discovered, however, that the container was missing, along with a bag the man had brought with him.
The man never returned and the women were dismayed they will never see their prized possessions again.
Police were called and an investigation is underway. Falling victim to a con artist has exasperated the residents’ safety concerns.
The old age home has had no external lighting since March which has led to an increase in crime. Residents feel increasingly unsafe and fear that criminals will continue to exploit their vulnerability and that violent crimes could take place.
They have approached the City of Ekurhuleni on numerous occasions about the lights but have not received a satisfactory answer.
“It has become too dangerous here. We are old people and we want to feel safe. Some people here are very ill and can’t stand up for themselves,” said Niemann.
Comment requested from the municipality will be published once it has been received.
