New centre to help community ransacked, vandalised
“If it’s not enough that these criminals stole and did damage to the centre meant to help a struggling community, they came back a third time to take what was left.”
A new community centre in the north of Pretoria meant to help the poor, was recently ransacked by vandals.
The property in Danie Theron Street, belongs to Solidariteit Helpende Hand and offered services to the community such as free counselling for children and training home care workers.
“Plans were devised to roll out sustainable community projects at this centre,” said Mariana Kriel of Helpende Hand.
She said the projects would benefit especially the poor in the north of Pretoria and Kriel said she was “excited” for the centre to expand and offer more services to the community.
But recent break-ins at the centre put a damper on their plans.
Kriel said trouble started on June 16, when the centre was ransacked and vandalised.
“Criminals took all the copper pipes, taps and anything possible – needed to supply water – from the walls, sinks, roofs, etc.
“As if that was not enough, they decided it was a good idea to steal the gate motors, lights and borehole pump as well.”
Kriel said the thieves returned again earlier this week, to rip power cords from the ground and roof of the centre.
On Thursday, Kriel had yet again called police to report another break-in.
“It seems criminals had broken in again to steal shower heads and anything that was left to rip out of the walls,” she said.
“We need to get the centre’s power restored to install extra security measures.”
Police are investigating the thefts and vandalism at the centre.
“I was so furious about this. How can people steal from the poor?
“Then I calm myself and remember that the devil is here to steal and destroy, but that God is still in control. We will continue to do good – because that is what we are called to do.”
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