Schaapkraal mosque beroof

A Schaapkraal mosque has been broken into and robbed in the early hours of Thursday morning with skelms stealing copper pipes and electrical connections worth thousands of rands.

Masjidul Mahir in Schaap Road is just over two years old and Sheikh Aboebakr Abduroft says the robbery took place despite their fence and safety gate to keep skelms out.

The holy man also lives on the premises, but heard nothing.

The thieves took expensive copper pipes, and connections to the Jojo tank and water heater which were all donated to the mosque.

He says the water heater was installed for musallies (those who come to pray) to have hot water for abdas.

“I was heading to my morning prayers when I noticed the pipes were stolen off and the fitting and heating system were damaged,” he says.

“These were gifted to the mosque as a means to keep our old people from having to take abdas with cold water.

“I called the police and our community safety forum to come out,” he says.

However, by yesterday afternoon police said they had no record of the incident.

Chairperson for the Schaapkraal Community Forum, Redaa Ameerodien, said he cannot understand how people can steal from a place of worship.

“It is sickening when people come into the areas and attack places of worship or schools.

“Our learning institutions will not be victim to anyone. If you target this community we will find you,” he warns.

“We are offering a reward for any information on the whereabouts of these parts and the robbers. No stone will be left unturned,” he adds.

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