Nelson Mostert, an 84-year-old Somerset West resident, is appealing to the public for help in recovering a stolen book, a gift from his wife for their 56th wedding anniversary.
Suffering from short-term memory loss, he had inadvertently left the newly purchased book, War by Bob Woodward, at a parking payment machine at Somerset Mall about 18:00 on Saturday 7 December. The book, valued at R755, was purchased at Exclusive Books just before being misplaced.
On returning to retrieve it just 20 minutes later Mostert discovered it was missing. A review of CCTV footage with mall security revealed a white woman with ear-length blonde hair taking the book from the payment machine and placing it in her bag before leaving the area.
Mostert says he is not seeking to disclose personal information, but simply to identify a potential perpetrator in the theft of his property. He emphasises the sentimental value of the book, which was intended as a gift from his wife for their upcoming anniversary.
“This is not just an expensive item, it’s a symbol of my love from my wife, and I’m heartbroken to have lost it in this way,” he explains.”
Mostert hopes that by bringing the incident to public attention the woman who took the book may recognise its significance and return it.
- Anyone with information is urged to phone Mostert on 021 851 4645.
