Old Woman Drugged, Robbed South African Casino Victims

Posted on: June 25, 2025, 09:50h. 

Last updated on: June 25, 2025, 10:16h.

Philip Conneller @casinoorgphilc Read More
Expertise: Gaming Business, Regulation, Tribal Gaming.
  • Woman accused of drugging victims’ coffee at Suncoast Casino
  • R337,000 in jewelry stolen from 92-year-old grandmother
  • Prosecutors oppose bail; multiple victims suspected

 A 74-year-old South African woman who was accused of drugging and robbing a 92-year-old casino-goer last year has been rearrested for allegedly spiking another victim, IOL reports. Both victims were either befriended or attacked by the woman at the Suncoast Casino in Durban, South Africa, and police believe there may be more.

Hannah Naidoo, Suncoast Casino robbery, Durban elderly crimes, South Africa casino drugging
The Suncoast Casino in Durban, above, where Hannah Naidoo, top right, is alleged to have befriended the vulnerable senior citizens who became her victims. (Image: South African Tourism/IOL)

Hannah Naidoo, from nearby Westville, was originally arrested in October 2024 on charges of attempted murder and aggravated burglary. Those charges stemmed from the alleged assault, drugging, and robbery of the 92-year-old grandmother at her apartment in March of the same year.

Spiked Milkshake

Naidoo is alleged to have stolen R337K (about US$19K) worth of jewelry and watches from the victim after spiking her milkshake with benzodiazepines during a visit to the woman’s home in Durban’s Central Business District.

After befriending the woman at the casino, Naidoo and an unidentified accomplice brought cake and the milkshake to the victim’s home on March 22, prosecutors said. The victim lost consciousness and was found two days later by her son and grandson. She awoke four days later in intensive care. None of the missing items have been recovered.

Prosecutors allege that while bailed out on those charges, Naidoo targeted a 66-year-old woman on May 1 this year at the Suncoast. Prosecutors claim Naidoo drugged that woman’s coffee with an unknown substance and stole R20K in cash (around US$1,100).

The victim suffered medical complications from the alleged drugging and was admitted to hospital, prosecutors said. She is expected to recover.

Attempted Murder

Naidoo now faces fresh charges of attempted murder and theft. Prosecutors told a judge in Durban Friday that two additional charges involving two separate victims will soon be filed. State prosecutor Calvin Govender said that Naidoo poses a threat to vulnerable members of the community and bail should not be granted.

Naidoo’s attorney, Ashwin Baijnath, requested an expedited bail hearing, stating that his client has stage 4 cancer and is scheduled to undergo chemotherapy on June 23. The court wasn’t provided with any documentation to support the claim.

The court ordered Naidoo to remain in custody at Westville Prison pending her formal bail application. A hearing has been scheduled for next week.