Phone thieves posing as homeless strike in store
The Durban North resident said she was at a local shopping centre's when she fell prey to the criminals.
![Kerri Sudding has warned residents to be wary of scammers posing as people who want help.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/51/2018/11/46nmgangsta-1-Large.jpg)
A CONCERNED resident has warned the community to be vigilant of a couple robbing unsuspecting victims. On Sunday, 4 November, the Durban North resident said she was at one of the local shopping centre’s when she fell prey to the criminals. On a Facebook post Kerri Sudding said she was in the toilet when the culprits pounced.
“I was in the downstairs toilet when my phone was stolen by a couple. The woman who was wearing a wearing a blue top was thin and very aggressive. The man was quiet and on crutches,” she said.
Sudding said after realising that her phone was missing she confronted the suspects, which is when she said the woman tried to hit her. Fortunately for her, she managed to get her phone back.
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“With the help of my fiancé, Bongani from Enforce and the amazing cleaning staff we were able to get it back. We went together to look at the cameras which didn’t show much. The man then took my fiancé to go fetch his crutches and that’s when he gave the phone back, which they had thrown in the bush,” she added.
Sudding went on to say besides her phone, she was more concerned about the safety of the couple.
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“Even though I was mad about my phone I felt sorry for them. I though of ways that maybe I can help them because they looked homeless,” Sudding went on.
However, Durban North police have warned any resident who may feel like Sudding to think twice before offering the couple help.
Durban North SAPS spokesperson Captain Raymond Deokarant said,”Even though a case was not opened in this particular matter, we have received complaints of similar incidents. We urge residents to be extra vigilant and be wary of scammers posing as needy people.”
Sudding said after posting on Facebook about her encounter, several other residents came forward saying they have tried to help the couple.
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