Second theft at Magoba gardens devastates community

The Mogoba community is seeking advice and help from the broader Benoni community after their vegetable garden suffered a second setback due to theft of their solar panels again.

November 11, 2016

Sheina Razack 1 minute read

Solar panel stolen for the second time from Mogoba garden.

The Mogoba Community Vegetable Garden was planted with the intention to create job opportunities and provide fresh produce for the community; however, its purpose has been tampered with again due to the theft.

According to coordinator of fund-raising at Kids Haven, Susan Daly, the first setback happened on August 11 when thieves stole equipment to the estimated value of R71 780.

And the 2ha vegetable garden in an Etwatwa informal settlement was hit again on Sunday night (November 6).

“This time, our security guard (one of the cooperation members) was assaulted with the butt of a gun and seriously hurt,” said Daly.

“The perpetrators made off with three solar panels. We did everything we could to secure these panels and make them difficult to steal but crime is getting the better of us.

“We are so depressed.”

Daly asked if anyone has an idea on how to better secure solar panels, or who can assist with security, as this would be appreciated.

“With serious water restrictions in Ekurhuleni, the borehole is the only way that we have any chance to get this market garden to be a sustainable food garden,” she said.

The City Times ran a front page article on the garden in the newspaper dated July 8.

The Mogoba Community Vegetable Garden’s solar panels were stolen again on November 6.

The first time the panels were stolen was on August 11.

The Mogoba community is appealing to the broader Benoni for assistance in better securing the garden to prevent such theft from reoccurring.