Shelter residents feeling unsafe

RECENT break-ins at the Ihata shelter for vulnerable and abused women and children have left its residents feeling unsafe.

Shelter CEO Nuraan Osman said that in its 12 years of service the shelter had never before been at risk. The recent spike in break-ins, three in the span of around one month, has left them feeling unsafe in Heideveld, Osman said.

The Ihata Care Group cares for more than 300 beneficiaries daily, and relies solely on donors and government funding. Osman said they did not have surplus funding in such cases. Last year, the Ihata Care Group took over ownership of three welfare homes in Heideveld, Bonteheuwel and Bishop Lavis.

“The first time they burgled our after-care area and stole the taps and washbasin the children use. The second time the gate motor was stolen and some garden utensils. The third was this Saturday night when they stole the battery to our elder persons transport, (and) a gate where our gas tanks are stored,” Osman said.

“We’ve suffered losses of more than R50 000 serving the community, the same members who steal from us despite coming for meals regularly.

“Nothing has been retrieved but we’ve been informed by members of the community who the culprits are. These are people who come to our soup kitchens and eat from and with us.”

Osman said the incidents have been reported to the Manenberg police. Many of the women at the shelter are victims of gender-based violence.

“We cannot do this work without the generous support of our donors and government funding, but this sets us back and places our staff and resources at risk,” Osman said.

She said members of the public could assist with repairs, with donations welcomed.

Heideveld community neighbourhood watch co-ordinator Ralph Jansen said some of the more common crimes reported in the area related to gang-violence, cable theft and stolen drain lids, vandalism of public and social facilities such as sports facilities, post office, advice office, schools, and early childhood development centres, particularly during load shedding.

House robberies and early morning robberies were also common crimes afflicting the community, in addition to the drug dens.

The police were unable to respond in time. To assist, contact 083 712 2703.