Criminals made off with a laptop, TV, office chairs and relief packs for the Western Cape fire victims as they ransacked the offices of the Gift of the Givers over the weekend.
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This is according to the project manager for the humanitarian organisation, Ali Sablay, who told News24 that staff arrived at work on Monday morning to find the offices in disarray.
According to Sablay, the stolen laptop had the names of people and charities who required relief, adding that the theft of this data would delay aid as organisations would now be required to re-register.
He explained that the Gift of the Givers was one of the few organisations that continued operations in the area despite its extremely high crime rate.
“Many non-governmental organisations don’t want to work in the Cape Flats [and surrounding areas] because they say communities don’t assist them. Gift of the Givers is one of the few that still has soup kitchens in these communities where it tries to better the lives of children,” he said.
Speaking to News24, Sablay said the burglary did not affect its warehouse and the organisation would continue its operations.
He added that 11 people caught with stolen goods had been taken in for questioning.
According to Western Cape police spokesperson Captain Frederick Van Wyk, the burglary was reported on Monday morning, and they were investigating.
He said no arrests had yet been made.
Meanwhile, social media users wasted little time expressing their outrage over the burglary with many accusing the burglars of biting the hand that feeds them.
“Gift of the givers does more for the needy than the corrupt and moraless SA government,” posted Dilshaad Camroodien. “How can one be this evil and heartless?”
Yoveen Jay Hanuman added that he was in a state of “absolute disbelief”, as he offered words of encouragement to the organisation. “Know that this will only galvanise the support we South Africans have for your organisation!” he posted. “This is simply a test in our journey to stay the course and continue to make a difference to those in need, despite the enemy’s effort to slow us down!”
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Picture: Cape{town}Etc Library