On October 23 I was waiting for my medicine at the Far East Rand Hospital (FERH) pharmacy.
I fell asleep while waiting.
Prior to that I’d checked my phone to see what the time was, placed the phone in the side pocket of my handbag where I usually put it for ease of reach when I need it.
Later when I wanted to tell my lift that I would not be much longer so she could come a fetch me, I could not find the phone in my bag.
While I was dozing someone brazenly went into my bag and removed the phone and even zippered up the pocket again.
I’m deaf so would not hear anything and did not feel this slick thief remove the phone.
Of course no one saw what happened !!
The loss of the phone is bad enough, because it is difficult for me to replace as a government pensioner.
But the loss of my contacts is a greater hardship for me.
I have been battling since then to get cell numbers of people who were in my contact list.
One person who has been delivering dog food to me or several years is now un-contactable.
I desperately need to get hold of him and any one who was on my list please contact me on 071 845 166 by sms.
I’d also like to thank the kind person who phoned my lift for me. (letter shortened)
Cynthia Taylor.
Hendrik Buda, spokesman of FERH replies:
We have investigated the matter and we noted that the stolen cell phone was not reported to the pharmacy staff or the security personnel.
We sympathise greatly with the patient on her loss but would like to encourage people to report such cases to the department heads or the security on site at the hospital.
We also urge people using public facilities to be on the lookout this festive season.
Although we are a hospital, unfortunately we cater to people from all walks of life.
