THE Highway community has been urged once again to be aware of a 16-year-old con artist who is often spotted in her school uniform or a Springbok rugby jersey. Numerous complaints have been laid by residents who have fallen prey to this scam, which starts when the girl plays on the emotions of unsuspecting victims who believe her ‘heart-wrenching’ story.
SA Community Crime Watch and Securelink have issued warnings and said the teen starts her scam by informing residents that her parents have died and she is now an orphan. She also claims to have been raped and abused. She walks around the streets ringing doorbells and begs people to let her into their home. When she leaves she normally escapes with either a wallet or a cellphone. She is also known for hitchhiking and stealing from the people who assist her.
Steven King of Waterfall Crime Watch and Securelink said, “She has been charged on numerous occasions, but is then released into the care of her aunt or brother. Her modus operandi is to play on the heart-strings of her victims. She has now acquired the nickname ‘schoolgirl’. People who have had dealings with her and fell victim to her must please contact me urgently so we can get her charged with as many cases as possible. I picked her up on Friday and handed her over to the police, who charged her with theft. She was then released into her guardians’ care and less than 48 hours later she added a new victim to her long list.”
The Highway Mail published an article in March about Hillcrest resident, Michael Wright, who tried to help the ‘young and pitiful’ schoolgirl but instead was conned and had his iPad stolen from out of his car.
According to Wright, he saw the girl, who was in her school uniform, sobbing alongside the road. She told him a story about how her brother had raped her, and also how she had a baby sister at home and needed money. She begged him to take her to her aunt’s house in Everton Road in Gillitts. While on his way there, she began telling him strange stories about her background and parents, who had apparently been bitten by snakes and died.
If you have been a victim, contact Steven King on 082 920 5799 or e-mail sacomcrimewatch@gmail.com.
