Thieves rob vulnerable children of Kidz Clinic services
The vandalism disrupted the clinic’s essential services, leaving many vulnerable children without the vital support they need.
Kidz Clinic in Boksburg, a crucial support centre for abused children operated by Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA), has been severely affected following a break-in on January 1.
The burglary disrupted the clinic’s essential services, leaving many vulnerable children without the vital support they need.
Originally scheduled to reopen on January 7, the clinic was only able to partially resume operations on January 14.
The incident has cast a shadow over what should have been a year of celebration, as the clinic marks 25 years of providing free medical, psycho-social and therapeutic services to child abuse victims.
Destruction and loss
According to Kidz Clinic forensic nurse Vincentia Dlamini, they stole essential equipment, including computers, furniture, medical tools and even children’s toys.
“The facility was left in ruins, with destroyed wiring, broken taps and ash scattered across the floors, suggesting an attempted arson.
“We are deeply taken aback and sadden by this incident. The damage has affected our ability to provide our services fully.
“We are using our phones to continue at the moment, but it’s been a difficult and frustrating experience,” Dlamini said.
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Impact on operations
The clinic, which handles around 1 300 new child abuse cases annually, is now grappling with both emotional and financial challenges.
Dlamini pointed out that January is one of the clinic’s busiest months, with a significant number of cases reported.
“It’s heartbreaking that children will arrive at a place that no longer feels welcoming. They need to come to a safe, child-friendly environment where they feel at home.”
Miranda Jordan, founder of WMACA, expressed her dismay: “This has been absolutely devastating to us. These criminals took everything they could lay their hands on and destroyed everything else.
“Why do that to an organisation that helps the community? We have been in clean-up operations for the last few days, trying to figure out what we have left, if anything.
“The estimated cost of the damage is over R210 000, with insurance covering only basic repairs like doors, security gates and carpeting.
“We need to completely recreate the space to once again be the child-friendly place of healing it has always been.
If we rebuild and restock the clinic with toys and the things that made it a haven for children, we believe we can relaunch later this year and celebrate the next 25 years of providing services,” said Jordan.
Spokesperson of the Boksburg Police Station Sergeant Ntsako Ledwaba said suspects have been arrested and investigations are underway.
Urgent appeal for donations
WMACA is urgently calling on the community and local businesses to help rebuild the clinic and replace the stolen equipment.
Immediate needs include:
• Computers, laptops, and a large-capacity printer
• Internet routers, VOIP equipment, and cloud backup systems
• Furniture for reception and therapy rooms
• Medical equipment and children’s toys
• Roof repairs, painting, and new security systems
How you can help
To support the Kidz Clinic and contribute to its rebuilding efforts, contact Kevin Barbeau: kevin@wmaca.org or 082 307 1130, Vincentia Dlamini at boogie@wmaca.org or 082 896 9840 or Tania Otto at tania@wmaca.org.
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