Granny’s SASSA money stolen after date with online stranger

Suspect

Chatsworth – A 54-year-old man was arrested on Thursday morning after robbing a 66-year-old woman during what was meant to be her first date, a meeting arranged through the Badoo dating site.

The victim, a pensioner from Isipingo, met the suspect online and agreed to meet in person.

“The granny met the man on dating site Badoo & was fetched by him at Isipingo – KZN. After transporting her to Galleria Mall in Amanzimtoti to draw her monthly SASSA Grant, the couple drove 66 kilometers to Hazelmere Dam. After three (3) hours she was driven to a garage to freshen up. The suspect them sped off with her bag, R2000 in cash & he rmobile phone. He then deleted his profile on Badoo,” Reation Unit South Africa (Rusa) said.

The victim, distraught and alone, immediately reached out to her family for help. They contacted Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), who began an urgent search.

CCTV footage revealed a vehicle matching the description of the suspect’s white Opel Corsa, but the registration number was obscured.

Despite a fruitless search in Effingham and other nearby towns throughout the night, officers were not able to locate the suspect.

The breakthrough came early on Thursday when officers received a tip-off about the car’s location in Montford, Chatsworth.

“Early this morning (Thursday) Reaction Officers received information & located the car (picture 6) in Montford – Chatsworth in Kwazulu Natal. After a brief observation Officers approached a 74 year woman who pointed out her son as the perpetrator. The suspect was located in his bedroom and arrested,” Rusa said.
“When interviewed, the suspect informed Reaction Officers that he had seen an opportunity to flee with her belongings when the woman had got off his vehicle to freshen up. He explained that he decided to speed off when the pensioner had become demanding for financial assistance after they had engaged in sexual intercourse at the Hazelmere Dam. He said that he was further infuriated when she questioned him regarding the use of a sex enhancement tablet. After fleeing he drove to Sibaya Casino & lost R1600 at the slot machines. He then used R400 of the stolen money to buy engine oil for his vehicle.”

The suspect’s mother informed the officers that her son had previously been arrested for rape and had been remanded in custody for several similar cases since 2020.

She also revealed that he had hidden the victim’s mobile phone behind a built-in cupboard when he saw officers outside their home.

The suspect was handed over to the South African Police Services (SAPS) and is currently in detention.

Investigations continue, with the man facing charges of theft and potentially other related crimes.

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