Police arrest accused SA casino scammer after new drugging allegation
South African woman charged again after allegedly targeting another elderly victim at the Suncoast casino.
South Africa.- A South African woman accused of drugging and robbing a 92-year-old grandmother last year has been rearrested for allegedly spiking another victim at the same spot, the popular Suncoast Casino. Authorities believe she may be a habitual scammer who preys on elderly women under the guise of friendship.
Hannah Naidoo, a 74-year-old woman, allegedly targeted a 66-year-old victim on May 1 at the casino in Durban. The victim’s coffee was reportedly laced with an unknown substance, and R20,000 ($1,100) in cash was stolen. She was hospitalised but is expected to recover.
Prosecutor Calvin Govender revealed in court on Friday that two additional victims may soon come forward. He argued that Naidoo poses a serious and ongoing threat to elderly members of the community and strongly opposed any consideration of bail.
Naidoo’s lawyer, Ashwin Baijnath, applied for an urgent bail hearing, stating that his client is battling stage 4 cancer and has chemotherapy scheduled for June 23. The court, however, was not given any medical records to verify the claim.
The judge ordered Naidoo to remain in custody in prison. Her formal bail hearing has been scheduled for next week.
Previous casino drugging allegation
At the time of her recent arrest, Naidoo was out on bail relating to an incident where she was accused of assaulting and robbing a 92-year-old woman in October 2024. The victim was allegedly drugged with a milkshake and stripped of R337 000 ($18,500) in jewellery and watches. The alleged crime occurred after she met the woman at the Suncoast Casino.
Naidoo gained the woman’s confidence before visiting her home alongside an unidentified accomplice. Prosecutors claim that on March 22, 2024, Naidoo brought cake and a milkshake reportedly containing benzodiazepines, a strong sedative.
The victim passed out and was discovered two days later by her son and grandson. She spent four days in intensive care. None of the valuables have been recovered.
Authorities have issued fresh warnings for elderly patrons to remain cautious in South African casinos, where criminals may use deception to commit calculated fraud.
