Inside job hits Pro-Life Pet Rescue hard
Pro-Life Pet Rescue suspects it was robbed by staff members over the weekend.
According to founder Karin Erasmus, the theft occurred on Saturday at around 13:00.
“The lady who normally locks up was busy cleaning a dog’s wound at our clinic. We now suspect that this is when two other staff members, employed to clean and feed the animals, stole our money box and other items.”
Erasmus said the staff members vanished straight after this. At this stage they did not realise anything was missing.
“We first were worried about the animals. We had nobody to feed the animals and clean the premises. This had us in a panic.”
On Monday morning they discovered the robbery.
“There was about R5 000 cash in the money box. We realised they had also taken a torch we just bought, and tools and other items are also missing.”
She said the men were employed a month ago after previous employees voluntarily resigned after being caught taking the dog food and selling it privately.
“We are sad, as this is worse. It is a personal betrayal. I feel so let down. I knew them personally and they did this to us and they know firsthand that we are trying to help animals here.”
Erasmus said another staff member had also left at the time, but reported for work on Monday morning unaware of the situation.
“I just want to thank Divergent Ops for coming out and helping us search the area.”
She added that she had an appointment at the Nelspruit police to formally open a criminal case on Tuesday.
“We work hard to raise funds and this is a huge blow. We are feeling very demotivated and disappointed. We have numerous bills to pay such as medication, vets’ accounts, phone, data, water, electricity, petrol, security, salaries and rent.”
Any financial donations can be deposited into Pro-Life Pet Rescue, Standard Bank Nelspruit, account number 03 02 609 65, branch code 052 852. Reference: Burglary
and your name or company name. Contact Pro-Life on 079-498-7971.
