Bayview police are investigating a house robbery case after two Havenside pensioners were drugged and accosted by bogus South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) officials, on Friday.
The victims, Parvathy Ganga, (72) and her sister-in-law Devmathe, (85) who are still reeling in shock said that the incident unfolded on Friday, 15 July at about 1pm when the bogus SASSA officials came to their home.
Devmathe said that she received a call from an Indian woman on Monday who said she was from SASSA and they would like to donate a grocery hamper to her.
She said: “The woman sounded professional and legit therefore I exchanged information and gave her my address as she said it would be brought home. The lady came home with a man and we offered them refreshments and chatted. The couple brought one small fabric softner, two packet salt, one packet dhall and 1kg rice. They asked how many other grantees were there and said they would bring in more items. They asked if we have any illnesses and we explained about our pains in our legs and back,” she said.
The pensioners claim that the woman took out a tablet from her bra and broke it in half. Parvathy willingly consumed the tablet as she was under the impression that it would help with her leg pain.
Devmathe further added: “I was in the kitchen drinking water when the lady tapped my bag. She asked me to take the tablet and I refused saying that I do not medicate before having a meal. When I turned, she pushed the tablet into my mouth and I swallowed it as I already had water in my mouth. After a few minutes, I started hallucinating. She dragged me to the outbuilding and asked me to show her my grant card. Only after they left, we realised that items were missing. They stole jewellery valued at about R10, 000 and cash. I have been living in this home for more than 50 years and this is the first time an incident of this nature occurred. I am always vigilant after reading newspaper articles but by them calling me I believed that it was indeed SASSA officials because they had my number. I encourage residents to be wary of these types of incidents, especially senior citizens who are soft targets.”
She said that the lady was wearing a scarf, skirt with red flowers and a black top while the man wore full black. Communications Officer of Bayview SAPS, Warrant officer Collin Chetty said it is alleged that an 85-year-old and 72-year-old pensioners from Havenside were robbed off their valuables from their premises by an Indian couple posing as SASSA officials on the pretext to hand the pensioners a grocery hamper.
He said: “The pensioners were contacted telephonically by the bogus SASSA officials who had all their personal information. The pensioners who are sisters-in-law invited them into the premises. When the Indian couple arrived at the premises with the food parcel, the pensioners allowed them in. While in the home, the bogus SASSA employees forced a tablet into the pensioner’s mouth and forced some water down as well. Within minutes they felt faint.The Bayview Community Forum with management of Bayview SAPS are concerned about our pensioners who are becoming victims of crime,” he said.
Police are warning pensioners not to fall for these scams. Residents are urged to report any suspicions persons to 10111 or dial 112, when using their cellphones.
“The suspects are believed to be an Indian male 1.8m tall about 35 years old and fair in complexion, the female was about 1.6m about 25 years old, fair in complexion with tested glasses,” he said.
Anyone that can assist with the investigation of the whereabouts of the suspects can contact Warrant Officer Norman Khomo on 079-500-0139.
