Scottish actress Kate Copstick is counting her losses after allegedly getting mugged shortly before she embarked on a trip to Kenya from London for her foundation titled Mama Biashara.
Recounting the events to Scottish media outlet, The Scotsman, Copstick explained that her plans were curtailed after she was accosted by two unidentified men who orchestrated a scheme to snatch her bag.
The actress was carrying a total of Ksh1 million (£8,500) liquid cash from her charity shop on Sunday, September 4, to her home in preparation to travel when the incident happened.
Copstick, who also worked as a critic for The Scotsman, noted that she was approached by the individuals who were wearing a balaclava as well as black attires from head to toe.
"I was walking home, it wasn’t very late and the street I live on is very well lit. I heard running behind me and turned to see the kind of outfit you only normally see in TV dramas – someone dressed head-to-toe in black, with a full-face balaclava.
"He grabbed my bag and I began to scream and shout for help. He put me in a chokehold and suddenly a second man – dressed exactly the same – appeared," she narrated to the Scotsman.
She further noted that she was perturbed by the development since she lives in a relatively safe neighbourhood with good lighting.
Copstick explained that she was kicked by the duo to the ground and believed that she was being followed since the attack was carried out tactfully.
"I live in a not-posh area of Shepherd’s Bush – there is crime, there are muggings, but it’s generally kids looking to steal a few quid, not full-grown men essentially dressed like ninjas.
"They didn’t take anything else, which sadly means I was very likely targeted, and that someone knew I would be carrying a significant amount of charity cash with me. I’m talking to the police about that now," she added.
The funds were meant for her foundation, Mama Biashara, which she set up in 2008 to provide support to women who face female genital mutilation (FGM) challenges.
According to the Scottish actress, her choice of withdrawing the money while in the UK and traveling with it in cash was driven by the need to avoid delays in trying to access international banking details while in Kenya.
Copstick appeared in numerous television programmes in the United Kingdom including BBC children's show, on the Waterfront.
A Go Fund Me page which was opened to aid her in raising additional funds for the charity has so far raised Ksh1.8 million.
