NPO’s bakkie stolen in Boksburg, recovered in Katlehong 40 minutes later
A bakkie vital to the operations of Boksburg’s Urban Ruins NPO was stolen on October 13, but thanks to GPS tracking and rapid response, it was recovered within 40 minutes. The organisation is now appealing for financial support.
Urban Ruins faced a nerve-wracking ordeal on October 13 when their recently acquired Hyundai bakkie was stolen and recovered all within the span of an hour.
The NPO, which had sold a three-year-old Ford Ranger to acquire the new bakkie, had made minor adjustments to the vehicle before putting it into regular use.
On the day of the incident, the CEO of Urban Ruins, Clayton Viljoen, stopped at a friend’s home in Boksburg to collect donations.
The vehicle, which is equipped with a GPS tracker, was parked outside, locked and with the immobiliser on.
“About 15 minutes later the bakkie was stolen. We were in the house, arms full of donation bags and suddenly realised the bakkie was gone. It was surreal.”
Fortunately, the organisation had taken precautions.
Thanks to the vehicle’s GPS tracker and the rapid response of security personnel, the vehicle was located in Katlehong within 40 minutes.
“It has since been returned to the insurance company for repairs, including a replacement dashboard.
“The vehicle is essential for our daily operations. The theft caused immense stress, and we now urgently need financial support to ensure we can continue our work without disruption,” Viljoen said.
“Without it, we are effectively stranded, as the bakkie is crucial for transporting supplies and reaching the communities we serve.”
Urban Ruins is appealing to the public for assistance.
Donations will help the nonprofit maintain its essential services, cover repair costs, and ensure the organisation can continue its outreach programs and donation drives in Boksburg and surrounding areas.
Contact Clayton Viljoen on 081 747 0833.
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