‘Casino granny’ denied bail: medical tests revealed she was cancer-free

JEWELLERY AND WATCHES

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

A 74-YEAR-OLD Westville widow with a criminal history dating back to 1981, has been denied bail after allegedly drugging and robbing elderly casino patrons of cash and valuables worth over R1.4 million.

Despite claiming to have stage 4 cancer, medical tests revealed she was cancer-free.

The court head that she was using her age as an excuse while being fit enough to frequent Suncoast Casino late at night.

This emerged in the Durban Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Tuesday).

Hannah Naidoo faces seven charges, including that of attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances and theft.

Magistrate Ashwin Singh said he agreed with State prosecutor Calvin Govender that Naidoo was using her age as an excuse, but was fit enough to frequent Suncoast Casino late at night.

Naidoo, who claimed that she had stage 4 colon cancer and would not be able to have adequate treatment at the Westville Prison hospital, was meant to undergo tests last week, to determine her medical state.

The appointment was made but she had abandoned it, claiming she was too frail. Singh said Naidoo was avoiding her appointments, and there was no proof she had cancer.