Pretoria drop-in centre targeted by criminals
The centre has catered to more than 700 vulnerable children and orphans from different parts of Nellmapius since 2004.
Criminals have stripped a Nellmapius drop-in centre bare, Rekord East reports.
Siyadinga community forum manager Billy Vilakazi said the criminals were targeting the centre “every weekend, helping themselves to window frames and other items”.
He said break-ins at the centre were a “daily occurrence”.
“The centre has lost faith in the police and we have lost count of the number of cases we have reported to Silverton police station.”
The centre has catered for more than 700 vulnerable children and orphans from different parts of Nellmapius since 2004.
Vilakazi said at the weekend, criminals stole another window yet, up to now, no one had been arrested.
“The community is also not helpful because they are afraid to talk even though they know the criminals.”
“The centre has lost everything needed to run such a place,” said Vilakazi.
He said residents needed to look after the centre because they benefited from it “but most importantly, they must stop buying stolen goods”.
“We help children with homework, psychosocial support, educational and other things. But it is now no longer safe for the children.
“The thieves started by taking our electric appliances and we constantly reported to the police.”
Vilakazi said the situation became worse when locals invaded the land behind the centre, erecting shacks.
“The centre then started experiencing more break-ins.”
Vilakazi said the palisade fence, furniture and toys that keep the children busy after school were stolen.
He pleaded with businessmen and residents for donations to revamp the centre including with furniture, toys and a shipping container in which to lock valuables.
He said the centre had suffered a loss estimated at R150 000 to the thefts.
“Without donations, the centre will have to close down. And we just can’t afford to because the future of the children of Nellmapius depends on this centre.”
Vilakazi pleaded with the public to report anyone who sold suspected stolen property to the police on 08600-10111.
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