DURBAN - AN uMhlanga musician’s most prized possession has been stolen from her. The musician, in a desperate plea for help, called on the public to help find her flute, valued at R150 000.
Rozanne Paragon, a musician and teacher by profession, has been unable to continue with her work because her flute was stolen from the boot of her vehicle at a petrol station near the Pavillion, two weeks ago.
The flute had sentimental value, she said, adding that it was purchased in Joburg in 1991. Paragon said it was “irreplaceable” and its estimated worth was about R150 000, with all the adjustments she has made over the years.
Paragon, a teacher, used the flute during her music lessons at an all girls private school in Durban and as a member of the Durban City Orchestra.
She stopped at the Engen Garage shop, near the Pavilion Shopping Centre, to purchase a cooldrink when her vehicle was allegedly remote jammed.
“The flute was kept in its casing in the boot of my vehicle. The thief who took it, possibly remote jammed my car and grabbed it from the boot. I don’t think they knew what was inside but because it was in a casing, it must have looked appealing to them. I spent less than five minutes in the shop,” Paragon recalled.
“I viewed the camera footage of the incident. I saw men opening the boot of my car, before disappearing with the casing. Everything happened so quickly. I went to pawn shops around Durban and have been pleading on social media for the thief to return my flute but I haven’t had any luck since the incident occurred. It breaks my heart because I’ve had it for 26 years. Ít’s become an integral part of my life because I’ve used it to teach and play,” she said.
Paragon said she bought new heads and made other upgrades to the flute while she lived in London.
“To replace it, it would cost me an arm and a leg. This is no ordinary flute,” said Paragon.
She said her only hope was to rely on the honesty of individuals who would be kind enough to inform her if they spot the flute anywhere. She was pleading with the alleged criminal to return the prized possession. She offered an undisclosed reward for the successful recovery of the musical instrument.
Paragon has reported the matter to the SAPS.
Police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala confirmed the incident and said police were investigating a case of theft.
Gwala said the victim had parked her vehicle at the garage with all the doors locked and windows closed, then proceeded inside the garage.
* Anyone with information about the flute can email Paragon on [email protected]