Carer arrested for allegedly swapping 96-year-old's diamond earrings for fakes
. The 96-year-old woman's diamond earrings were replaced with imitation diamonds allegedly by her carer.
Image: supplied
A forensic expert together with police have nabbed the carer of a 96-year-old woman living with dementia in Durbanville, after she allegedly swapped her patient's diamond earrings for fakes, before selling it to an unknown buyer.
The suspect made an appearance in the Bellville Magistrate's Court on Tuesday following her arrest.
Police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg, confirmed the arrest: “An adult female was arrested for theft and will appear in the Bellville Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, April 28."
The suspect, who apparently started working for the elderly woman and her family in November, had allegedly already plotted to sell the earrings to a potential buyer in January.
This was allegedly confirmed via Whatsapp conversations between herself and the potential buyer, which investigators are using to further probe the case.
Just over a week ago, the elderly woman and her 68-year-old daughter became suspicious of the earrings she was wearing due to blood on her earlobe.
The woman also complained of pain.
Ben Lombard of LieTech Polygraph and Forensic Services, who is part of the investigation, told the Cape Argus it had been the observation of the elderly woman and her daughter that led to the breakthrough.
“A 96-year-old grandmother living with dementia, complained that her ears were sore," he said.
"She said, 'my earrings feel smaller than usual'…
“At first glance, it may be dismissed as confusion but those who truly listen know, instinct does not disappear with age.
“Her family began observing more closely that something wasn’t right.”
The family's suspicions grew further when they had the imitation earrings examined by a local jeweller.
“One of her last sacred belongings, carrying far more sentimental than monetary value, gifted to her by her late husband, suddenly disappeared," he added.
"It was brighter than usual, different in cut and unfamiliar in setting.
“A professional jeweller confirmed it.
"The original diamond earrings had been substituted with imitation jewellery."
During questioning of the suspect, certain admissions were allegedly made about the alleged deal.
“Through structured examination, controlled forensic interviewing, and a documented investigative process, a verbal admission was made and later confirmed in writing," he said.
"The suspect identified a buyer, who in turn claims the earrings were passed on to another individual.
“The investigation remains active. Recovery of the original earrings is uncertain.”
He said the crime highlighted the abuse of the elderly who were often targets because they were vulnerable.
“This is not just about jewellery, this is about trust placed in caregivers, the vulnerability of the elderly," he said.