The storeroom of Ihata Shelter for Women and Children in Welcome Estate, was destroyed in an alleged arson attack, which happened in the early morning hours of Saturday March 29, leaving a loss of more than R80 000.
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The work of a shelter for abused women and children is under threat after continued burglaries, and now also a suspected arson attack.
Ihata Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Welcome Estate has been burgled six times within the past three months.
In the early morning hours of Saturday, March 29, suspected arsonists burned down wooden structures on the premises, causing damages worth more than R80 000.
Chief operations officer, Nuraan Osman, said the shelter’s motor gate was stolen and the electric fence damaged on Monday March 24, so it seems like the latest incident was premeditated.
“They forced entry by prying open the fence next to our storerooms. They also entered at the main gate as the gate motor was stolen just a few days ago. Evidence shows that this was a premeditated attack and not just a random mistake. The sad reality is that the suspects are probably people who regularly get food, blankets and assistance from the shelter,” Ms Osman said.
Items destroyed by the fire include 10 computers worth R4 000 each, a food trailer valued at R25 000, beds and mattresses worth R8 000, and the wooden structures that were used as a storeroom, valued at R14 000.
“The computers were about to be set up for our youth development programme. The food trailer was part of our sustainability kitchen to train clients. Many other miscellaneous items were also lost in the fire,” Ms Osman said.
No one was hurt in the fire, and Ms Osman suspects the arsonists are people with drug addictions whom they’ve tried to help by referring them to rehabilitation centres and by
feeding them.
The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse confirmed the incident. The fire was extinguished just after 6am, he said.
Manenberg SAPS spokesperson Captain Ian Bennett said a case of arson is being investigated and that no arrests have been.
Ms Osman has appealed for assistance to help them rebuild and replace the goods lost in the fire. The shelter is not funded by the Department of Social Development and as a non-profit organisation, funding remains a challenge.
If you can assist, call 083 712 2703.
The wall of the shelter's community youth development office also burned down. This office was situated next to the storeroom that burnt down.
Image: Supplied