Westville widow’s crime spree: New R1 million theft charge

Casino predator had a ‘dangerous lust. for money’

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

A 74-YEAR-old Westville widow who allegedly drugged and robbed elderly casino patrons faces a seventh charge involving R1 million in jewellery anda luxury car theft.

Despite claiming stage 4 cancer, Hannah Naidoo’s criminal history spans decades, with police describing her as having “a dangerous lust for money”.

Naidoo made an application for bail in the Durban Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Tuesday).

The mother of four is now facing seven charges, including robbery with aggravated circumstances, attempted murder and theft.

Yesterday, Naidoo was charged with a new theft charge after it was alleged that she had robbed Pathmavathi Moodley, 78, of Sydenham, of R1 million worth of jewellery, her Mercedes Benz and clothing, on August 3, 2018.

She was previously charged for attempted murder and theft after she allegedly laced a 66-year-old woman’s tea and robbed her of R20 000 at Suncoast Casino, in May, and for assaulting, drugging, and robbing a 92-year-old grandmother of R337 000 worth of jewellery and watches from her flat in Durban, in March 2024.

It is alleged that she had befriended the elderly woman at the casino, gained her trust, and visited her with a milkshake and cake. The milkshake was laced with a sedative.

A third victim came forward after Naidoo’s photograph was circulated in the media. She was charged with attempted murder and theft and a 67-year-old Montclair woman claimed Naidoo had drugged her by lacing her sandwich and tea with sedatives and stole R60 000 worth of jewellery, including a thali chain in September 2024.