Alleged casino priest in court

A woman stands accused of duping casino patrons with "luck rituals" and making off with nearly R1m in cash and jewellry.

A woman stands accused of duping casino patrons with "luck rituals" and making off with nearly R1m in cash and jewellry.

Published Dec 12, 2012

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A woman accused of stealing cash and jewellery from casino patrons while performing luck rituals appeared in the Durban Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday.

The matter was postponed until January 7 for further investigation.

The woman, who cannot be named until an identity parade has been conducted, faces three counts of fraud.

State prosecutor Wendy O'Brien said nine people had come forward after media coverage of the case.

“The woman would approach her potential victims at a local casino and con them into believing that she can turn their luck around by performing bizarre rituals,” police spokesman Colonel Jay Naicker said.

She allegedly approached gamblers, telling them she could introduce them to a psychic who would improve their chances of winning.

Naicker said that in one case a casino patron was robbed of cash and jewellery valued at more than R1 million.

The court heard that the woman also allegedly drugged elderly people and robbed them of their valuables.

The identity parade would be held on Tuesday. The woman had abandoned her bail application pending the identity parade.

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