AN ALLEGED arson attack took place at the early hours of Saturday morning at the Ihata Shelter for abused women and children in Welcome Estate, where goods to the value of over R50 000 were damaged.
It is believed that the fire was premeditated as the remote gate motor was stolen on Tuesday in a burglary.
Chief Operations Officer Nuraan Osman said that among the items that was burned in the fire was ten computers to the value of R4 000 each that was about to be set up for their youth development program, the food trailer to the value of R25 000 as part of the shelter’s sustainability kitchen to train clients.
Beds with mattresses to the value of R8 000 and wooden structures to the value of R14 000 and many other items that were lost in the fire.
Osman explains: “Due to the gate motor being stolen, the gate was locked with a pad lock but the thieves forced entry. We saw footage that confirmed there were three men that burgled the premises.
"They went into the storeroom and set it alight. Evidence shows that this was a premeditated attack and not just a random mistake.
"The sad reality is that the suspects are people who regularly get food, blankets and assistance from the shelter.
"No one was hurt. The storeroom is located next to our community youth office and the wall of the youth development office also burned down. We can only help six people at a time.
"Our shelter has been burgled six times this year, our old age home nine times last year in Heideveld and it is the substance users in the community who we try to help and refer many of them to rehab and feed them regularly.
"Some of their children even come to creche at the shelter but after 15 years my heart is really heavy because like the Afrikaans saying goes ‘stank vir dank’.
"We are not expecting praises or thanks, but we expect some respect for the services we bring to the community.”
City Fire and Rescue spokesperson Jermain Carelse said the incident was reported at around 5.05am of an informal structure alight.
“Crews from Epping were on scene and firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze just after 6am and requested the assistance of the South African Police Service."
Meanwhile, Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg says: “In response to your media enquiry kindly be advised that an arson case was registered for investigation. No arrests have been made. The investigation continues.
Nuraan is appalling for any assistance with any donations to help rebuild or donate any computers to please contact 083 712 2703