One of the worst feelings must be when something you have worked hard for is stolen or damaged, especially if that object holds some sentimental value to you.
Almost everyone in our office building experienced this last week when a journalist’s vehicle was stolen from the parking lot. Another journalist, who was on her way to an appointment, saw the thieves driving off, and in an attempt to stop them she ran after them shouting at them to stop. She quickly realised they were not going to heed her call, and immediately ran back into our office, informing us of what just happened.
Read initial article here: CCTV FOOTAGE: Easy to spot red Datsun stolen in Witpoortjie
After our first initial reaction of shock, the feelings of helplessness quickly turned into action. To be honest, just as many of our fellow South Africans, I did not have much faith in our justice system, and was very sceptic about recovering the vehicle. Nevertheless, I told the journalist to phone the police in the meantime, while the rest of us each contributed by sending the vehicle info to our various WhatsApp groups, requesting for a BOLO to be sent out.
Some might say that a vehicle is just an earthly possession, but in this particular instance, the vehicle is an essential part of the journalist’s work, without which he cannot perform his duties. It is also a classic car and an heirloom, which has a lot of sentimental value. The atmosphere in the office was one of sadness, anger and even some disbelief as the whole incident took mere seconds.
Great was our surprise when, only a few hours later, the journalist received phone calls from various groups, informing him his vehicle had been found! A tip-off was received from a neighbourhood watch group in Azaadville, who informed the Kagiso Police that the vehicle was left next to the road, relatively unharmed. A very excited journalist left with a representative from the Kruin Voluntary Community Association (KCVA) to identify his car, and upon his return he informed us that only the battery, together with the contents of the glove department had been taken. The only other damage he could see, was the locking mechanism.
Read here: Stolen red Datsun recovered in Kagiso
This incident warmed my heart and I will go as far as to say that it restored some of my faith in humanity. It just goes to show that team work really makes the dream work! None of the security companies or neighbourhood watches disregarded our pleas for assistance, and they never stopped looking for the vehicle. Their dedication and tenaciousness are much appreciated!
Until next week, stay safe and look out for each other …
