PICTURE: PEXELS/ Tima Miroshnichenko
KwaZulu-Natal police are searching for a Malawian national accused of stealing jewellery, cash, and family heirlooms valued at approximately R1.01 million from a Durban residence. The alleged suspect remains on the run as police continue efforts to locate her.
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Police searching for heirloom theft suspect
According to KwaZulu-Natal police, the suspect has been identified as a 28-year-old Malawian national who is also believed to be using an alias, as reflected on her passport.
Police said the woman is believed to be travelling with her five-year-old daughter and may be attempting to flee to Malawi. Authorities have appealed to members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist in locating her.
Alleged theft worth more than R1 million
Police allege that the theft took place on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at a residence in Durban.
According to investigators, the complainant reported that the woman had been employed as a domestic worker by the family for approximately seven years. The alleged theft was discovered when the family returned home at around 5.30pm.
Among the alleged missing items are old gold jewellery, several Kruger coins with significant sentimental value and R10,000 in cash, bringing the estimated value of the stolen property to approximately R1.01 million.
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Police appeal for information
KwaZulu-Natal police believe the suspect may be attempting to cross the border into Malawi. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact their nearest police station or the South African Police Service’s Crime Stop line.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against the domestic worker have not yet been tested in court. Authorities say all information received will be treated confidentially as the search for the suspect continues.
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