St Mary’s Children’s Home was scammed by an alleged imposter, who also stole a cellphone from a staff member.
This happened on February 23 at about 1.45pm when a committed middle-aged lady named Connie approached them.
Connie said she’s in partnership with the Department of Social Development and works with other groups to support charities and obtain sponsors. In addition, she added she belongs to the Foundation of Love.
She claimed the driver who brought her was her husband and that he is very shy because he is Indian and she is an African and people tend to judge. She gave his cellphone number as 082 781 1195.
Sonja Harmse, CEO of St Mary’s Children’s Home, said she claimed these groups will support St Mary’s on a monthly basis, all they will need to do is to send her a needs list and she will coordinate the groups and sponsors to support with these most urgent needs.
“She said, for now, she had a R14 000 Pick n Pay gift voucher with her that we may spend. Due to Covid-19, they are not allowed to purchase goods and deliver in-person. Connie asked if one of our staff members will accompany her to Pick n Pay in Southdale to purchase items to the value of the voucher.
“St Mary’s Children’s Home is experiencing severe financial strain due to Covid-19 and we were in awe about the generosity of this gift. Connie requested to take as many pictures as possible to ensure the sponsors knew where their money went to.
“At Pick n Pay, Connie told our staff-member that her phone battery died and asked if she could take the rest of the pictures with our staff member’s phone. Many pictures were taken, where after Connie told our staff member she needs to go and arrange with the store manager for the purchase as it is in bulk.
“She then disappeared with our staff member’s cellphone, leaving her with the grocery items at the till point.
“The driver who brought Connie to St Mary’s Children’s Home claimed to be an Uber driver and Connie requested an Uber from Magalies Centre in Fourways.
“Connie told us she owns a restaurant named Korean in Fourways at the Magalies Centre. She had requested his phone to do calculations as her phone’s battery has died. He was also a victim of this dishonest lady,” explained Harmse.
St Mary’s Children’s Home reported Connie at Booysens Police Station and a case of theft under false pretence was opened.
“Our staff member has lost her phone with many memories (photos) and details on. Due to tight budgets, she did not insure her phone. The home cannot reimburse her phone or meet the monthly outstanding debt. She, however, does need a phone to be contacted on as well as for safety measures as she often drives alone for the home’s benefit.
“If there is any community member or company that may find it in their heart to assist, we’ll appreciate your goodwill sincerely,” she said.
St Mary’s Children’s Home is at 42 Zinnia Street, Rosettenville, or contact them on 011 435 3820.
