A businessman who was tricked and robbed by a man pretending to be a dumb female beggar has become the topic for disccusion in a Clarendon community.

THE STAR heard that some two weeks ago, the businessman who was at home was awoken by sounds of someone knocking on his gate some time around 9 p.m.

When he went to investigate, he was said to be greeted by a character who acted in a manner which suggested that 'she' could not speak, but instead used hand gestures to beg money and food.

THE STAR further heard that the businessman invited the person into his home and offered to cook a quick meal.

While preparing the meal, it is said that the beggar got up, revealed he was in fact a man. He was said to have also pulled a firearm before demanding money.

The thief is said to have obtained $8,000 from his victim before refitting his disguise and making off into the night.

The businessman raised an alarm with the hope of accosting the thief but he was not captured.

The businessman is said to have recounted the incident to a number of persons who came out of their houses to see what the fuss was about.

formal report

When THE STAR contacted the Area 3 police, a source said they were made aware of the incident by the victim who was urged to submit a formal report. He, however, claimed he was leaving for the United States the following morning and promised to do so as soon as he returned to the island.

"It is something that we would have to follow up on because the businessman said he would give us a report when he came back from the States' but he hasn't come forward as yet so we don't know if he is in fact here," the source, a detective corporal explained.

Meanwhile, one resident from the community said the incident has become the hot topic on everyone's lips. Some persons are said to be ridiculing the businessman while others have lauded his attempt at being kind and said he did not deserve to be robbed.

"All now people still a chat bout it, di way it happen kinda funny eno ... Some people a laugh after him but some people sorry fi him," the resident claimed.