Vandals cripple sport complex
Sports clubs in Bonteheuwel have been dealt a huge blow with ongoing break-ins and vandalism crippling the Metropolitan Sport Complex, leaving it without water, electricity or even floodlights.
With the latest break-in, electrical cables, copper pipes, basins and fluorescent lights were stolen, with the Metropolitan Sport Grounds facility management committee estimating the damages to be almost R500 000.
According to the chairperson of the facility management committee, Lindsay Davids, the recent spate of break-ins started on Saturday March 25. Since then, the thieves broke in at least three more times.
“With the lights that they stole now, the hall complex cannot be used for darts anymore. The players need those lights. WIth previous break-ins, they even stole the floodlights, goal posts as well as netball poles. We had to switch the water off now, as the place was flooded when they stole the copper pipes. There are no more electrical cables left at the facility. It was all stolen. This is giving me sleepless nights,” Mr Davids said.
He added that the community knows who the perpetrators are, but nobody is willing to give any information.
“I have appealed so many times for the community to come forward if they know of anything, but my pleas fell on deaf ears. How do you just walk around with a goal post? People can’t say they did not see that. I strongly feel that all the scrapyards in Bonteheuwel should close - whether it is a legal business or not.”
Sulaiman Fagodien, who is the coach of Bonteheuwel United, said the complex is a “terrible sight” as it is now.
“Both structures are completely destroyed. There is no way for our youth to use the facilities. Now it’s becoming colder and they need the dressing rooms. Our community must understand the importance of a facility like this. Having our children involved in sport keeps them off the streets and it has a positive impact on their lives,” Mr Fagodien said.
Bishop Lavis SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Samantha Adonis confirmed that a break-in was reported on Sunday April 2.
“The complainant arrived at the sports complex and discovered the place was burgled and electric cables and copper pipes were stolen. The investigation continues and no arrests have been made,” Sergeant Adonis said.
Bonteheuwel ward councillor, Angus McKenzie, appealed to the community to take ownership of the facility and to report any illegal activities. He also announced that plans are underway to repair and upgrade the facility to the value of R1 million. This, he said, will take place in July.
“The funds will be allocated to repair the floodlights, as well as to restore the water and electricity. This spend is much needed and will enhance the experience of spectators and participants at the facility and also provide the much needed resources for growing sports in Bonteheuwel. These projects are also necessitated due to ongoing vandalism at the facility. This is our facility and as a community we must take ownership of it. We are also now in the process of increasing the security on the facility by making use of the successful Community Ambassadors,” Mr McKenzie said.
Anyone with information can contact Bishop Lavis SAPS on 021 935 9803 or Law Enforcement at 021 480 7700.