Police are searching for a 28-year-old Malawian woman following the reported theft of jewellery and cash from a family home in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
The woman, identified as Fatima Lawerence, is also believed to use the name Esther on her passport. She is wanted after her employer alleged that valuable family heirlooms and cash disappeared from the residence under suspicious circumstances.
According to the employer, the missing items are valued at approximately R1 million. Among the stolen belongings are old gold jewellery pieces and several Kruger coins that had been kept within the family for generations. In addition to the jewellery, the family claims that R10,000 in cash also went missing.
The incident came to light when the family returned to their home at around 5:30 pm on Sunday, 12 July 2026. After noticing that several valuables were no longer in the house, they began searching the property before realising the items had allegedly been stolen.
The employer said Lawerence had been employed as a domestic worker by the family for about seven years. During that time, she had earned the trust of the household, making the alleged theft particularly devastating for the family.
Beyond the financial value of the missing items, the employer explained that many of the jewellery pieces carried deep sentimental importance. Some had been passed down through several generations and represented cherished family memories that cannot easily be replaced.
Following the discovery, the matter was reported to the relevant authorities, who are now investigating the case. Law enforcement officials are expected to examine all available evidence as part of their efforts to trace the suspect and recover the missing property.
The employer believes Lawerence may be attempting to leave South Africa and return to Malawi. It is alleged that she could be travelling with her five-year-old daughter, raising concerns that she may try to cross the border before investigators can locate her.
Authorities have not yet confirmed her whereabouts, and efforts to find her remain ongoing. Members of the public who may have information regarding her location are encouraged to contact the police or the nearest law enforcement agency. Any information that could assist investigators may prove valuable in locating the suspect and recovering the stolen valuables.
The case has attracted widespread attention because of the significant value of the missing jewellery and the long-standing employment relationship between the suspect and the family. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of promptly reporting suspected crimes and allowing investigators to conduct a thorough inquiry.
Police investigations are continuing, and no further details have been released at this stage. Authorities are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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