Cop allegedly stole councillor’s purse

File photo

File photo

Published Sep 3, 2015

Share

Durban - A metro policewoman, accused of stealing a purse from eThekwini councillor, Lyndal Singh, is under investigation.

Singh said the woman officer approached her with “great pretence” to gain her trust and then stole her purse containing R4 900, bank cards, her driver’s licence and other retail store cards, last Tuesday.

On her way to the DA caucus meeting, the councillor said she stopped at a salon in The Workshop and, while her nails were done, a uniformed cop sat down next to her.

“She said she was interested in observing how the lady was doing my nails and continued chatting after introducing herself as Natalie, which is not her real name, I discovered later.

“During our conversation I discovered that she worked at the beachfront. She sat with me until my nails were done. I then reached for my handbag, pulled out my purse and took out R100 to pay for the service,” Singh said.

She said she put the purse back into the bag, on the floor next to where she was seated, and went to the cashier to pay.

“This metro lady then bent down to tie her shoelace and it did not occur to me that she had taken my purse. From our conversation, she knew I was a councillor, attending a meeting. She then asked to use the ladies’ and I said sure, why not.

“So we walked together to the city hall, with her carrying my bag as I was still nursing my nails. Outside the lift I took my bag and we went our separate ways.

“It was only when I got home in the afternoon that I realised my purse had been stolen with R4 900 cash, bank and retail cards, and my licence.

“It is sad that the trust factor was played to my disadvantage when I saw the metro police uniform,” the councillor said.

She said she got some of her cards back from a man who traced her through information he had found on a receipt from her son’s school, which was also in the purse.

On Friday, Singh reported the matter to metro police’s director, Ashley Dove.

“I explained to him what had transpired. I could sense that he knew who I was talking about.

“He said they had a few complaints against the woman and that she had a case of housebreaking against her and she committed these crimes in metro police uniform.

“I have registered a formal criminal charge against the officer and also asked for an internal investigation by metro. I’m hoping my experience will alert others so they do not become victims,” Singh said.

During their conversation, Singh said Dove instructed another senior officer, via e-mail, to investigate. In response to the e-mail, the investigator said the officer in question was supposed to be at work on the Tuesday, but did not report for duty.

“Once again I apologise to the councillor and I trust she will attend the disciplinary hearing as I have just received another report that she (the metro cop) has broken into a vehicle this weekend,” read the e-mail.

Dove confirmed knowledge of the matter and the meeting with Singh. However, he did not give details.

“I can’t tell you much because this is now under investigation,” he said.

Provincial police spokesman Colonel Jay Naiker said a case of theft had been lodged at the Durban Central police station but no arrest had been made yet.

Related Topics: