Residents of Merebank in Durban are urged to be on the lookout for an Indian couple who prey on unsuspecting elderly residents, after a 74-year-old pensioner was robbed in her home on Monday.

PT Alarms Tactical Unit rushed to assist the woman at her home in Umakort Crescent, after she fell prey to the ‘well-dressed couple’. She was allegedly drugged and robbed of her gold jewellery.

According to PT Alarm, Fire and Security spokesperson Dhevan Govindasamy, the couple gained entry into the woman’s residence under false pretences.

“The suspects are believed to be the same couple who drugged and robbed a pensioner on Nasik Road, about a month ago. It is alleged the couple conned the elderly victim by telling her a story about her husband’s policy and told her that they had some money to hand over to her. The resident allowed the couple entry into her home, where they overpowered her by stuffing a tablet into her mouth, which made her drowsy.

“The couple allegedly stole the elderly woman’s gold jewellery and bangles, cellphone and cash before fleeing in a red vehicle,” said Govindasamy.

He added that residents should keep an eye out for the perpetrators and urged them to report any criminal activity immediately.

“We must also educate elderly residents who reside alone or who are home alone during the day about the ongoing scams. We urge them to be vigilant and to secure all doors and gates, and explain to them that it is important for them to not allow any strangers into the house, but rather ask them to return when someone is home with them,” Govindsamy added.