Holiday break-in deals major blow to Boksburg Squash Club

It is suspected that the stripped building materials and appliances were targeted for resale to second-hand dealers.

January 17, 2026

Fanie Mthupha 2 minutes read

Some items were left lying scattered across the floor.

Members of the Boksburg Squash Club, which is located at Prince George Park on Trichardts Road, returned from the festive season to the devastating discovery that thieves had stripped the facility of equipment and valuable infrastructure.

The incident has left the club facing costly repairs of an estimated R1m, a major setback for members and local schools that rely on the venue.

Boksburg Squash Club representative Noel Abendroth points to the spot where a handwash basin was removed and stolen from the club’s bathrooms during the recent break-in.

Also Read: VIDEO: Save the Boksburg Squash Club from closure

The burglars removed and stole electrical equipment, including wiring, the distribution board, switches, light bulbs, and the heating system for the bathrooms and steam rooms.
Appliances were also taken from the kitchen and the bar, including ovens and microwaves, along with a TV, sound system, jukebox, and other valuables.
Trophies and the bar’s cash till were also stolen.

Club member Noel Abendroth stands in the club’s ransacked and vandalised bar, visibly devastated by the extensive damage and theft that has left the facility facing nearly R1m in repair costs.

The club’s Ian Pearson and Noel Abendroth carry one of the partitioning glass panels stolen from the club, which was later recovered from a nearby grassy field.

In addition, the plumbing system was ripped out, causing water to flood the facility and severely damage the carpets, which have now been rendered unusable.
Cupboards were broken into, glass partitions smashed, and bathroom doors removed.

Gas cylinders were also stolen, and the ceiling was partially dismantled.

Club member Noel Abendroth points to the distribution board where circuit breakers and other electrical components were stripped during the break-in.

As the facility is also used by schools for training and hosting events, these teams and club members now have to travel to distant venues to continue participating in their sports.

Club member Noel Abendroth stands next to smashed glass inside one of the squash courts, highlighting the extensive vandalism that has dealt a major setback to the club.

The break-in comes at a difficult time for the club, which has been working to grow its membership following a decline in participation as alternative racquet sports, such as padel, have gained popularity.
Club representative Noel Abendroth described the incident as a major setback for all members.

Club representative Noel Abendroth stands outside the club, looking devastated by the extensive vandalism and theft.

“It appears the perpetrators had ample time to carry out the crime. The power meter was damaged in December, leaving the building without electricity, which meant the alarm system was not working.”
It is suspected that the stripped building materials and appliances were targeted for resale to second-hand dealers.

Several bathrooms at the club were left without doors after vandals ripped them out during a break-in, adding to the extensive damage caused to the facility.

Noel Abendroth points to the spot from which several steel trophies were stolen during the break-in

While the police have not yet responded to our request for information, the club confirmed that a case of burglary at business premises has been opened with the Boksburg SAPS.
Anyone who would like to help Boksburg Squash Club recover from this devastating blow can contact Noel on 082 870 0046 or Petra Abendroth on 071 484 1026.