S Africa thief says sorry by post

A man who stole a briefcase containing vital documents from a South African Broadcasting Corporation journalist has written a letter of apology to her. The anonymous thief broke into Dee Uren's car in Port Elizabeth while she was shopping.

In his letter he confessed selling her briefcase and using the money to meet his domestic expenses.

The writer returned her identity card and promised to send the other items when he gets more cash for postage.

Inspiration message

"I sold your bag with 100 rand and I buy the 90 rand grocery and paraffin with 10 rand. With the change I buy stamp and envelope," said the typed letter.

Ms Uren's assistant Charmein May told BBC News Online the letter which contained the editor's job card was humorous and they wished he would communicate again.

"He cut out an inspiration message from Uren's diary and attached it to the letter, he has a nice sense of humour and we wish he could write back even if he still remains anonymous," she said.

Ms Uren lost her diary, make-up kit, running orders for the day's programme and her guest contacts in the robbery.

The thief who addressed her as "Mother Dee" said he had tried to find a job without success and that all his avenues were closed and he was desperate.

He also advised the journalist never to leave valuables unattended, so as not to attract the interest of thieves.