Missing 66-year-old Irishman Stanley Currie was recently found on the streets of Edenvale.
Currie was found in the late afternoon of January 7 after he was last seen on December 30.
International media reported that Currie had flown to South Africa to meet a woman and was carrying a large sum of money with him at the time of his disappearance.
SAPS national spokesperson Brig Vishnu Naidoo said police believe Currie was lured to SA.
Also read: Missing Irish man (66) found safe in Edenvale
“At this stage of the investigation, it would appear that Currie was swindled out of money before entering SA and while in the country.”
Naidoo said he could not release how Currie lost his money as it may give opportunists ideas on how to take advantage of others.
He said police will investigate the matter to determine what transpired.
Edenvale Community Police Forum (ECPF) chairperson Sheryl Damerell said Currie decided to visit SA after communicating with a woman online for an extended period of time.
While in SA, Currie sought accommodation in hotels within the greater Edenvale area.
“When he ran out of money he took to the streets,” said Damerell.
While this was happening Currie’s family appealed to the Missing Persons – South Africa Facebook page for assistance when they had not heard from him.
After a few days, a security officer from Mamba contacted the CPF, who had shared the missing person post, and said he had found Currie lying on a pavement in Edenvale.
“When Currie was found a medical assessment was conducted and he was declared healthy, but he was found to be disorientated,” said Naidoo.
Damerell said it is believed that while living on the streets, Currie’s belongings were stolen from him.
Also read: Irish citizen Stanley Currie (66) to return home following SA ordeal
“He has been in contact with his family and they are grateful that he is all right. Arrangements are currently being made for his return to Ireland,” said Damerell.
Damerell also thanked everyone for their assistance.
Edenvale SAPS spokesperson, Capt Jean Olckers, confirmed that Currie had been found in Edenvale on January 7 and taken to the station.
He said police are investigating a case of theft after Currie reported that his valuables and luggage was stolen from him.
Damerell said Currie boarded a flight to return to Ireland on January 9 at 3.50pm.
The NEWS attempted to contact the Currie family through Facebook on January 10 but could not speak to them.
