A bizarre break-in has left staff at a Durban business shaken after a man allegedly stripped naked before forcing his way into their premises and stealing valuables.
The incident occurred at a fire protection equipment store on Che Guevara Road in Glenwood, operated by Adriel Fire Supplies.
According to company representative Juanita Naidoo, the suspect first climbed over a neighbouring wall to gain access to the property.
However, when staff later reviewed CCTV footage, they were stunned to discover the man had removed all his clothing before attempting to enter the building.
Security video shows the suspect moving through the premises naked, rummaging through offices, opening cupboards, pulling out drawers and scattering documents across the floor in search of valuables.
Naidoo described the ordeal as deeply disturbing for employees.
She said the man undressed at the back of the building before approaching an entry point, where he allegedly applied a greasy substance to his body in an apparent attempt to slip through the design of the burglar gate.
Traces of an oily residue were later found on surfaces he had touched.
The South African Police Service in Umbilo confirmed that cell phones, cash and a card machine were stolen during the break-in.
Police have opened a case and are investigating the incident. No arrests have been made.
While theft is sadly nothing new for businesses, staff say this particular episode equal parts brazen and bewildering is one they are unlikely to forget anytime soon.