A domestic worker was robbed of her cellphone on Ashley Road on Tuesday afternoon, but it was soon returned to her when security caught the man responsible.

The incident was reported at 5.47pm on the Ashley Road WhatsApp group, prompting armed response units to be dispatched. The suspect fled towards Patricia Road but was spotted near the Boathouse and caught by IPSS Security shortly thereafter.

“The suspect tried to change his appearance by changing his shirt, but he was picked up by one of our cameras doing so. That’s why the arrest could be made,” said IPSS Security CEO Frank Labidi.

However, Labidi stressed that the suspect would be released as no criminal case was opened.

“This is a huge problem for us,” he said.

This marks the second recent incident involving a domestic worker walking in Ballito. The Courier reported last week that three domestic workers were victims of an attempted robbery at knifepoint on Leonora Drive on Friday morning.

Despite these incidents, Labidi said that there has been no increase in robberies targeting pedestrians.

“There might be one, two or even three more incidents during the festive season, which is normal, but there is no spike,” said Labidi.

“Based on the information we have, these appear to be crimes of opportunity.”

Ballito Neighbourhood Watch chairperson Morné Steffens further clarified that the two cases were unrelated and involved different suspects.

In another separate incident, a Toyota Hilux parked on Freda Road was stolen in the early hours of this morning (December 18).

Steffens urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant this festive season by locking doors, securing valuables and arming alarm systems at all times. He said criminals often observe routines, particularly in beachfront and high-traffic areas, making unattended items, open handbags and exposed cellphones easy targets.

Those without alarm systems are encouraged to use simple deterrents, stay alert in public spaces and report suspicious activity to security services or local community groups.

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