‘Distressed couple’ targets Durban North

A COUPLE pretending to be in distress is targeting pedestrians in Durban North and robbing them of their cell phones. There have been two reported cases so far in Mackeurtan Avenue and on Cadogan Drive. The couple pretend to be out of petrol or airtime and often use different stories to trick the people helping them.

In the latest incident last week, Durban North resident Lelo Ngubane said her roommate was targeted by one of the scam artists who said his ‘wife’ was in labour.

“My roommate was on Cadogan Drive, and the man pulled up alongside her saying his wife is in labour. He said he had left his cellphone at work and asked to borrow hers. She obliged and he said he’ll park the car but drove off with her Samsung phone instead,” she said.

In the second incident, a Northwood old boy was robbed similarly of his phone by the couple who said they needed to make a phone call but had no airtime. As he handed over the phone, the couple drove off with the cell phone.

According to Carol van Tonder of the Durban North/Umhlanga Crisis Team (DNUCT), the couple have been linked to several cases in other areas.

“We are urging people not to be too trusting. Unfortunately they have targeted other areas such as Umbilo and have used similar tactics to get money off of people. They are very friendly and genuine in their pleas for help but just act to get you to let down your guard,” she said.