UNDER SEIGE: The Ihata Shelter in Heideveld
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A SAFE haven for abused women and and children in Heideveld has become the target of heartless skelms who have burgled the home six times in less than three months.
The management of the Ihata Shelter says they have come under siege by the skurke who steal anything from copper pipes to gate motors, causing damage to the much-needed facility.
Chief operations officer Nuraan Osman revealed staff arrived at work on Monday to find the electric fence damaged and the gate motor stolen.
She says: "The most recent incident was on Monday when they stole the gate motor, a light off the wall and damaged the electric fencing.
"Since January, we have had six break-ins and they steal anything from taps and copper pipes to lights. They have come through the roof and caused major damage to the facility.
"We are not funded by the Department of Social Development and we lease the property from provincial government, so repairs take time.
"We often have to fund repairs to the building or addressing the plumbing because this is about the dignity of the clients."
The shelter which currently houses to a total of 32 women and children provides a safe haven for victims of abuse and gender based violence.
Osman explained for this reason secure fencing is important to ensure the women and children are protected.
She adds: "The quote we have to repair the electric fence is R24 000 and as an NPO these expenses as a result of crime are difficult to cover.
"If we are unable to fix the fence and secure the facility, we will have to close. This leaves 32 women and children who need a safe space with nowhere to go.
"Each time we have reported this matter to the police and we were informed that one person arrested for an earlier theft was arrested and later released at Athlone Magistrates Court."
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirms the incident and says: "Be advised that the mentioned case number is a theft case registered for investigation at Manenberg SAPS.
"According to reports the theft of a electric motor for a driveway gate was stolen at a shelter in Welcome Estate in the early hours of Monday morning . No arrests has been made as yet, investigation continues".
Anyone who would like to assist the shelter can call Osman on 083 712 2703.
WEG IS HY: The gate motor was stolen
Image: Supplied