SPCA Cadet Inspector Nkosi Sindiwe used quick thinking to survive a frightening hijacking incident in Khayelitsha when six armed men intercepted the SPCA vehicle he was driving. After being handcuffed and thrown into the back of the bakkie, Sindiwe managed to kick the tailboard open and jump from the moving vehicle.
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This incident highlights the enormous risks that SPCA inspectors face while performing animal rescue work.
‘This is not the first time that one of our vehicles has been hijacked. In the last year, we lost one vehicle in a highjacking, had two attempted hijackings, and now this incident,’ said Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse.
The staff of the SPCA must work within this environment to improve the lives of animals because many of the communities where inspectors go to help are rife with crime and violence. Their mission is difficult; in addition to the daily cruelty, they frequently face verbal and physical abuse from animal abusers.
Cadet Inspector Nkosi Sindiwe gave the SPCA a report of the incident in which he was injured, kidnapped and had his wallet and phone stolen.
‘I was driving in Khayelitsha at around 7:30pm last night when two vehicles, one in front and one behind me, blocked the road and six armed men appeared. Two of them were on each side of the vehicle, and they banged on the driver’s window with a gun. I had to open the door, or they would’ve shot me. I turned off the vehicle because I knew they wouldn’t be able to start it without the transponder tag to override the immobiliser system.’
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Sindiwe explained that he tried to prevent the vehicle from being hijacked because the SPCA desperately needed it to rescue animals, but after having the gun held to him again, he was forced to demonstrate how to start the engine.
‘They then robbed me of my wallet and cell phone, handcuffed me, threw me in the back of the bakkie and started driving. I was scared for my life but glad that there were no animals in my vehicle and I only had to think of how to save myself.’
Sindiwe’s quick thinking allowed him to position his feet forward and kick at the bakkie’s tailboard and canopy lock with all his might. Fortunately, it eventually gave way, and he threw himself from the moving vehicle and onto the road with equal force before fleeing.
Injured from the fall and confined in handcuffs, Sindiwe managed to get the attention of a good Samaritan, who helped him into the car and drove him to the closest police station. He also let Sindiwe use his cell phone to call the SPCA’s after-hours emergency number.
The highjacked vehicle was discovered abandoned just before 10pm on Tuesday night, thanks to the prompt response of Avis Pulse’s vehicle recovery team. The visible aftermath of Cadet Inspector Nkosi’s struggle was evident.
Harare SAPS took Sindiwe’s handcuffs off, and they then escorted him to the hospital for treatment of a seriously injured knee. An investigation case will soon be opened with Harare SAPS.
The unwavering support of the SPCA’s loyal advocates enables the organisation to offer an extensive staff wellness initiative through their service provider, ICAS. This ensures that Cadet Inspector Nkosi receives the essential trauma counselling he needs. The SPCA expressed heartfelt gratitude to its supporters for granting them the privilege to provide this invaluable service to their dedicated staff. As the courageous cadet inspector takes some time off to process the trauma and heal from the injury, his return to the frontlines in the fight against animal cruelty is eagerly anticipated.
‘This won’t stop me; I know animals need me, and I will continue to go wherever they need help in spite of what happened to me,’ said Sindiwe.
The SPCA is the only animal welfare organisation that provides a 24-hour response to animal cruelty, but because it cares about the well-being of its employees, it has now had to make the difficult decision to limit its response in high-crime areas after dark. They cannot risk the lives of employees or the loss of critical vehicles.
Cape of Good Hope SPCA CEO Moyo Ndukwana said, ‘Our staff are our greatest asset, and our team who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in the lives of the voiceless should be able to fulfil their mandate without fear. The sad reality is that they can no longer do so. It is a very difficult decision to make, but staff safety is paramount. For that reason, our inspectors will no longer be able to enter the area after dark without a police escort.’
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Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA
