Casino 'lucky lady' back in Durban court

2013-01-07 13:05

(File) (Shutterstock)

Durban - A woman accused of stealing cash and jewellery from casino patrons while performing good lucky rituals appeared in the Durban Commercial Crimes Court on Monday.

The matter was postponed to February 15 for further investigations.

The woman, who cannot be named until an identity parade has been conducted, faces three counts of fraud.

"The woman would approach her potential victims at a local casino and con them into believing that she can turn their luck around by performing bizarre rituals," police spokesperson Colonel Jay Naicker said.

She allegedly approached gamblers, telling them she could introduce them to a psychic who would improve their chances of winning.

Naicker said that in one case a casino patron was robbed of cash and jewellery valued at more than R1m.

The woman also allegedly drugged elderly people and robbed them of their valuables.

State prosecutor Wendy O'Brien said an identity parade had not been conducted on December 18 because the defence attorney was not available and the woman had changed her appearance.

O'Brien said a decision had since been taken to conduct a photo identity parade.

The State was investigating 20 cases against the woman and 23 witnesses were expected to participate in the photo identity parade.

- SAPA