Mozambican Domestic Worker Disappears with R100 000 in Valuables in Richards Bay

A Mozambican national, employed as a live-in domestic worker in Meerensee, Richards Bay, has reportedly fled with valuables worth an estimated R100 000. The incident, which occurred on the morning of Wednesday, 23 July 2025, has reignited concerns about the employment of undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa, particularly in private households.

The Mozambican woman, identified only as Ivyna (surname and age unknown), was hired by a local family in May 2025. According to CCTV footage, she was last seen around 07:45 carrying two large suitcases out of her employer’s property while the homeowners were away at work. By the time they returned later that day, several high-value items were missing, including a laptop, multiple cellphones, designer handbags, takkies, watches, and the very suitcases she used to transport the items.

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A criminal case has been opened against the Mozambican national at the Richards Bay South African Police Service (SAPS), and Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) has urged the public to come forward with any information about Ivyna’s whereabouts. She remains at large, and her immigration status is currently unclear. Her employer admitted that no documentation—such as a work permit, asylum papers, or identification—was provided upon hiring the Mozambican national.

This case has sparked renewed debate around the ongoing challenges South Africa faces concerning undocumented immigrants and the lack of enforcement in private-sector employment practices. South Africa has long grappled with high numbers of undocumented migrants, particularly from neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Malawi. Many enter the country through porous borders and remain without legal documentation, often seeking work in informal or domestic settings.

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While many South African families hire foreign nationals as domestic workers due to their willingness to work for lower wages, these arrangements can carry serious legal and security risks. When employers fail to follow the law and verify immigration status, both parties are placed in vulnerable positions.

According to the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Labour Law, employing a foreign national without a valid work permit or visa is illegal and punishable by fines or imprisonment. The law also places the responsibility on the employer to ensure that all non-South African employees have the proper legal status to work in the country.

In cases like Ivyna’s, where no legal identity or traceable documents exist, authorities face significant hurdles in pursuing suspects or recovering stolen goods. Beyond the legal implications, the situation underscores a broader issue: the failure to conduct background checks, verify identity, or even require a copy of a passport before hiring someone to live in one’s home.

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What Employers Should Do Before Hiring a Foreign Domestic Worker:

1. Verify Legal Status: Always ask for a valid passport, visa, or work permit. If a worker claims asylum status, request the asylum seeker permit or refugee documentation.
2. Check References: Contact previous employers to verify the person’s work history and reliability.
3. Document Everything: Keep a copy of the ID and work documentation on file. Ensure there is a written agreement detailing the terms of employment.
4. Consider a Police Clearance Certificate: For live-in workers, a criminal background check can provide peace of mind.
5. Avoid Cash-Only Arrangements: Use formal banking channels or payment apps that leave a transaction trail.

The case also raises questions about the role of authorities in monitoring the employment of foreign nationals. While government regulations exist, enforcement is weak in the private sector, where most domestic workers are employed without contracts or oversight.

Any Leads on The Mozambican Woman Contact RUSA

Meanwhile, community safety organisations like RUSA continue to play a crucial role in responding to incidents like these, especially when local police resources are stretched. They have appealed to anyone with information on the Mozambican national to contact them directly at 086 1234 333.

As the investigation continues, this incident serves as a cautionary tale not only for South African employers but also for policymakers, highlighting the urgent need for tighter border control, community education, and responsible employment practices to address the growing issue of undocumented workers in South Africa.