Testing time for alleged home thief

THE CASE against the German house-sitter who allegedly made off with goods worth R40 000 from a Constantia family’s home was postponed this week in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court because accused Max Hussmann is writing exams in Johannesburg.

In 2010 William and Clare Gibbon were introduced to Hussmann by friends. They asked him to house-sit their home while they were overseas, where William Gibbon was receiving medical treatment.

However, according to an affidavit submitted to police at the time, the couple received a frantic letter from their domestic worker claiming that Hussmann was acting strangely. He allegedly removed family portraits from the house, moved into the master bedroom and hired a locksmith to break into the safe. The couple eventually arranged for an ADT guard to have Hussmann removed from the house, but he allegedly did so with items and paperwork to the value of R40 000.

The matter was due to be heard last month, but was postponed because Hussmann was sick. He is currently out on R1 000 bail.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that cases of theft and assault have been opened against Hussmann in Douglasdale, Johannesburg.

A former landlady laid charges of theft against Hussmann after he allegedly left the flat he was renting from her in the middle of the night. She says he had not paid rent and took with him items belonging to her, including two computers which had been attached by the sheriff of the court.

bianca.capazorio@inl.co.za