A drunk driver has been arrested after crashing a truck into the Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha causing devastating damage to the clinic’s operating theatre.
Tuesday evening's 6pm incident comes after another vehicle had driven into its fence just the day before.
Marcelle du Plessis, Mdzananda's Fundraising and Communications Executive, said that the entire operating theatre will need to be rebuilt. In addition, the clinic’s storage room was flattened and requires urgent reconstruction.
Marcelle explained: “This is damage of an enormous scale, damage we could never have budgeted or prepared for. We are devastated, but we are also grateful that no animals or staff were harmed.
While operations will be severely impacted, the dedicated staff have committed to continue treating animals and delivering the best possible care, despite reduced efficiency.
She added: “We are still operating but not at full capacity as we could have probably if the damage did not happen.
"The operating theatre and storeroom were damaged which is almost like the heart of the clinic. Luckily it is not the shelter where our homeless animals are.”
The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter have been serving the Khayelitsha community for 29 years, providing veterinary services, shelter and humane education while serving 1500 animals per month.
The clinic has launched an emergency fundraising appeal to rebuild the theatre and restore full functionality.
“Every contribution, no matter the size, will help us recover from this disaster. Thank you for standing with us in this time of crisis,“ added Du Plessis.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that the drunken driver was arrested and that the matter is under investigation.
Twigg reported: “Harare police are investigating a driving under the influence of alcohol case following an accident in which an adult male drove into a wall of a business premises in Govan Mbeki Road, Khayelitsha, on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, at about 18:00.
The suspect was arrested by Law Enforcement. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.”
Members of the public are asked to make donations to support the urgent rebuilding effort. Banking details: Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Nedbank, Current Account, Branch Code: 198765, Acc: 1314465147, Reference: damage + your name.