Obsessed ex-gardener stalks employer in Durban

A Durban woman says she is living in fear after her former gardener allegedly turned stalker, sending chilling messages of love while claiming he had been watching and tracking her every move. Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) said the 32-year-old woman from eThekwini contacted them after the situation escalated. According to Rusa, the woman had employed the man for about three months before her husband dismissed him after he sent her a WhatsApp message professing his love.

The woman blocked him and believed the matter was over; however, the situation took a disturbing turn last week. “He began sending messages again, stating that he was in love with her and had been walking to her residence and observing her without approaching,” Rusa said. The man allegedly told her he would “never break her heart” and asked her out on a date.

He also claimed he had seen her attending prayers at a temple, raising fears he had been following her movements. “She blocked multiple numbers; however, the suspect continued contacting her, including calling from a private number requesting to meet,” Rusa added. The woman believes her kindness may have been misinterpreted as romantic interest. Rusa officers have made several attempts to locate the suspect, but he remains at large.