Crime in South Africa is becoming such a lucrative business that criminals are now bringing in children to help out.

A video has been doing the rounds on social media showing what appears to be a woman using a small child to steal a phone from an older lady’s handbag.

The theft happened at the Vincent SuperSpar in East London, reports News24. The actual date and time are unknown.

Roll tape:

Looks like petty theft is now a game the whole family can play.

Gordon Pentecost, Spar group legal adviser, told News24 that the company was aware of the incident and police were investigating the matter.

“The footage is in the hands of the police and we will be in a position to comment once they have completed their investigations,” he said.

Spokesperson for the Cambridge police station, Captain Mluleki Mbi, could not immediately confirm whether charges have indeed been laid in this matter.

Hold onto your handbags, ladies.

[source:news24]