The Mdzananda Animal Clinic had just started their Fencing Project— an initiative that would help fence homes so that more dogs could have safe spaces to live in—when crime dealt them a blow:
Khayelitsha, South Africa (12 October 2023) — The Mdzananda Animal Clinic’s staff are seeking a miracle after sharing news of an attack they experienced while trying to do good in and for their community.
The organisation had recently launched “The Fencing Project”, an initiative that would see them build fences around community members’ yards so that there would be more secure homes for people wishing to adopt dogs.
“A secure yard is a prerequisite for adoption,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive. “There are many great families in the community who wish to adopt dogs but who don’t have fenced yards—now we are helping their adoption dream come true.”
However, yesterday afternoon, while building the first fence of the programme for a dog named Speedy the Animal Clinic shared that four staff were held up at gunpoint as they were trying to make a difference.
Mthobeli Mgumane, Tabo Noko, Magcinandile Mzondi and Lynton Adams were the victims.
Their generator, tools, wallets, cellphones and car keys were stolen, explains the Mdzananda Animal Clinic, who adds that there were also assaults requiring emergency hospital visits for Magcinandile and Tabo. The other two staff were luckily unharmed but were extremely shaken.
“Magcinandile has suffered a haematoma and needed stitches on his head. Tabo has multiple contusions to his back,” says Sr Heidi May, General Manager.
“I am so angry. We work so hard for this community to elevate and empower people and to make the lives of animals better. It is sad how the criminal element affects the good people of Khayelitsha who want to have a normal safe environment for their families and their pets.”
“I am absolutely heartbroken,” says Marcelle du Plessis. “This fencing project would change so many lives, creating homes for pets, but now we are scared to continue building them.”
The clinic has called for donations to help cover the costs of replacing the generator, tools, car keys, personal items and to help with the medical bills for what should never have happened.
Any donations can be made to:
Mdzananda Animal Clinic
Standard Bank
Account: 075595710
Branch 025009,
Savings Account
Reference: robbery + your name
Other helpful portals and SnapScan codes can be found here.
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