Authorities have launched a manhunt for a Malawian woman following a theft that has left a Durban family devastated.
The theft occurred on Sunday, when jewellery valued at approximately R1 million and R10,000 in cash were allegedly taken from a Durban residence.
The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Fatima Lawrence, who may also be known as “Esther”, according to her passport, is believed to have been employed as a domestic worker by the family for the past seven years.
It is feared that she may be attempting to flee to her home country of Malawi with her five-year-old daughter.
The stolen items consisted mainly of old gold jewellery, including several valuable Kruger coins. The items also carried significant sentimental value, having been family heirlooms passed down through generations.
The theft was discovered when the family returned home at around 5.30pm and realised their belongings were missing.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding Lawerence’s whereabouts to contact Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) on 086 1234 333.
The incident comes amid increasing scrutiny over the employment of foreign nationals in South Africa, following the introduction of recent legislative measures.
Under newly gazetted laws, employers who hire illegal foreign workers could face fines starting at R100,000 for first-time offenders, with penalties increasing to as much as R1 million or prison time for repeat offenders.
The Employment Services Amendment Bill, which has been approved for introduction in Parliament, seeks to strengthen enforcement against the employment of undocumented immigrants as part of government’s efforts to address illegal immigration.
However, migration experts have cautioned against blanket condemnation of foreign domestic workers, citing the important role many continue to play in the labour market.
Professor Jo Vearey, co-director of the African Centre for Migration & Society, noted that many foreign nationals employed in domestic work are not undocumented, particularly those holding Zimbabwean and Lesotho exemption permits, which allow them to work legally until May next year.
She also said domestic work continues to reflect historical imbalances and that many middle-class households benefit from “poorly paid black labour.”
