Woman accused of stealing employer’s casino winnings denied bail

A 34-year-old domestic worker was arrested on Monday in Eshowe following a theft at a home in Umhlatuzana, KwaZulu-Natal, last Thursday.

Nobukhosi Nelly Phakathi, who was arrested in Ntanini Reserve in Eshowe, where a large sum of cash was also found, appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate Court last Wednesday, where she was denied bail, reports Rising Sun Chatsworth.

She was remanded into police custody and will reappear in court for a formal bail application this week.

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The homeowner, who did not want to be named, said he won the large amount of cash at a casino on February 14.

“I won R1,050,000 at the casino and my family and I [were] still shocked at winning such a large amount of money. We kept the money in the safe at our home. While I was away from home, I received a call saying the domestic worker, who we had employed for the last three and a half years, was packing up her stuff and leaving. Becoming suspicious, we got home to find her belongings removed and the safe, which held the money and my firearm, was empty,” he said.

The man complimented the Bayview SAPS for their swift response, dedication, and swift response in apprehending the suspect.

Bayview detectives, W/O Kevin Nair, W/O Babs Perumal, W/O Watson and W/O Khomo, together with the cash and firearm which were recovered.

“Police worked tirelessly and followed up on all leads, which were provided to them and apprehended the suspect. They also recovered a large amount of the money and also the firearm. I urge residents to carefully screen domestic workers as they pose a threat in terms of crime in our households,” he added.

Communications officer of Bayview SAPS W/O Collin Chetty said the Bayview SAPS detective branch went beyond the call of duty to ensure that they solve the case.

“The police officers, who had followed on various leads and investigation techniques, arrested the domestic employee in Eshowe. Further investigations led them to a premises in Verulam, which is believed to be the domestic employee’s boyfriend’s home, where they recovered a firearm and 15 rounds of live ammunition,” added W/O Chetty.

Station commander of Bayview SAPS, Lt Col Balram, commended the cops on their dedication and efforts.

“We urge residents to screen domestic workers properly before employing them. We also appeal to residents to not keep large sums of cash in their home,” added Lt Col Balram.

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