Beggar robs pensioner in Verulam

A beggar who robbed a 70-year-old man is taunting the family & demanding cash via SMS for the return of valuables stolen.

The Family of a pensioner approached Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) this morning seeking assistance after a man begging for food stole a packet containing valuables from a residence on Maple Drive – Trenance Park.

According to the family, the pensioner had returned home and placed the packet on the ground while using both hands to push open the driveway gate.

A beggar then walked up to the gate requesting food. The pensioner walked indoors to bring the man food and returned a few minutes later and discovered that the packet and the beggar had disappeared. A witness noticed the beggar fleeing with the packet which contained a mobile phone, two (2) SASSA cards, R800 in cash, Bank Cards, and a Professional Driving Permit (PDP).

The family then called the pensioner’s mobile phone and it went unanswered. An SMS was then received from the suspect demanding monies for the return of the cards and phone. During the conversation, the beggar informed the family that his child was hospitalised, he needed rent money, had bills to pay, and therefore needed to be compensated for the return of items he had stolen.

The suspect, an African male is known to beg for food in suburbs around Verulam – KZN.