KZN man who allegedly robbed pensioner of SASSA grant on date gets R1,000 bail

KZN man who allegedly robbed pensioner of SASSA grant on date gets R1,000 bail! A 54-year-old KwaZulu-Natal man, accused of robbing a 66-year-old pensioner during their first date, has been granted bail by the Verulam Magistrate’s Court. The case has gained significant attention due to its unusual circumstances, involving an alleged scam through an online dating platform.

Bail Granted After Two Weeks in Custody

The accused, Salim Ismail, was released on R1,000 bail on Monday after spending over two weeks in police custody. He was arrested in early February and charged with theft following the alleged incident.

The court ruled that Ismail could be released pending his trial, with the next court appearance set for March 26, 2025. His release has sparked mixed reactions, with some people questioning whether online dating scams are becoming more common in South Africa.

KZN man who allegedly robbed pensioner

How the Alleged Scam Unfolded

According to reports, Ismail met the 66-year-old woman on a dating site called Badoo. The two began chatting, and their online interactions eventually led to plans for an in-person date.

On the agreed-upon day, Ismail picked up the woman from Isipingo, a suburb in Durban. Their first stop was at Galleria Shopping Mall, where the pensioner withdrew her South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant.

After leaving the mall, the pair drove to Hazelmere Dam, a popular recreational area in the province. Everything seemed normal until they stopped at a petrol station. At this point, it is alleged that Ismail took the woman’s bag and fled, leaving her stranded.

To further cover his tracks, he reportedly deleted his profile on Badoo, making it impossible for the woman to contact him through the dating platform.

What Happened to the Stolen Money?

Authorities allege that Ismail used the stolen money to gamble. Reports suggest that he gambled away the majority of the funds, while the remaining amount was used to buy engine oil for his car.

His gambling habits have raised questions about whether this incident was premeditated or if he acted impulsively upon seeing the pensioner withdraw her SASSA grant.

Arrest and Ismail’s Defense

Police eventually tracked Ismail down to his mother’s house in Chatsworth, where he was arrested.

Following his arrest, Ismail attempted to defend his actions, telling Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) that he fled with the woman’s belongings because she allegedly requested financial compensation for sexual favors.

This statement has added another layer of complexity to the case, as it introduces conflicting narratives between the accused and the victim.

Public Reaction and the Dangers of Online Dating

This incident has sparked conversations about the risks of online dating, especially for older individuals who may be more vulnerable to scams. Social media users have reacted with a mix of outrage, amusement, and concern, with many warning others to exercise caution when meeting people through dating apps.

Some of the key concerns raised include:

• The potential for financial scams targeting pensioners.
• The dangers of meeting strangers in isolated locations.
• The importance of verifying the identity and background of online matches before meeting in person.

Many have pointed out that this case serves as a reminder for people to be vigilant when using online dating platforms.

Legal Proceedings and What’s Next

Although Ismail is currently out on bail, the case is far from over. He is expected to return to Verulam Magistrate’s Court on March 26, 2025, where the case will proceed to trial.

Legal experts suggest that if found guilty, Ismail could face a prison sentence or a hefty fine, depending on the court’s ruling.

Meanwhile, the victim is seeking justice, and authorities continue to investigate whether Ismail has been involved in similar scams before.

Conclusion

The case of Salim Ismail and the 66-year-old pensioner is a cautionary tale about the risks of online dating and financial fraud. While the truth will ultimately be determined in court, the incident highlights the importance of taking safety precautions when meeting people from dating apps.

As the case unfolds, South Africans will be watching closely to see whether justice will be served and if stronger measures will be introduced to protect vulnerable individuals from similar scams in the future.