The Midrand SPCA’s most significant fear became a reality when their offices were robbed, and everything of value was stolen in the middle of the night.
Midrand, Johannesburg – Heavy hearts are being lifted at the Midrand SPCA as the community rally around them to recover from being robbed of everything. The SPCA branch shared their nightmare yesterday along with shocking images of their ransacked offices.
The branch has been flooded with offers of help and support, shining a light on their darkest day.
“Last night, our biggest fear over the past year, sadly became a reality. We received a call at approximately midnight which informed us that our society had been robbed yet again, and this time, they took everything….
We were greeted with empty, messy offices with paperwork all over, broken cupboards and smashed glass….. this time, we had been emptied out. We were just rooted to one spot, taking in the devastation caused and our hearts just sank.
We raced off to our kennels to check on our beloved animals and with tears of joy in our eyes, we let out a sigh of relief to find our animals unharmed.”
They spent hours working with the South African Police Services and then went on to start sorting through all the mess and take stock of what had been stolen. They didn’t sleep a wink and instead got their work back on track.
After taking a short inventory, they were able to list everything that was taken.
“As the morning passed, the list continued to grow… All our systems – telephones, alarm, CCTV and cameras were all damaged, with all the operating systems being stolen. Our 3 printers, intercom system, vaccines, cellphones, medications and various other items were all stolen. Locked cupboards were ripped open and all the content was ransacked and emptied of anything of value.”
They have closed their doors for the time being as they have no telephones or other items to operate effectively.
“We have had to close our doors today and due to this devastation will be unable to operate tomorrow. We are currently still without phone lines so we cannot take calls in the office, but our emergency lines are working. We are still taking stock of all the damage and potential work required. This is a heavy blow and sadly we have tough times ahead of us, but we won’t give up!”
The Midrand SPCA have turned to the public for assistance on getting back on their feet. Their first call to action is to get their security up to scratch. Members of the public have started coming forward to offer assistance, many offering to replace their stolen printers and the likes.
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If you would like to assist them, the best thing to help with right now is funding for their security upgrades. Once they have secured the property again, they can start addressing all the stolen items. You will find all the information needed below to donate.
“Now we need all help we can get in order to put a stop to these activities that have been plaguing our society. We ask that you kindly make a donation towards the safety of our animals and staff so that we can safeguard them at all times.
Please make donations so that we can upgrade our security. We cannot afford to spend any further funds on security upgrades as we are battling financially as it is.
Donations can be made via by EFT using the below details:
Midrand SPCA
Nedbank
Acc No: 1686012799
Branch Code: 198765
Reference: Security”
The branch is exceptionally grateful for the outpour of love and support they have received during this terrible time. They promise to get back to each person who has reached out as soon as they are back on their feet.
“We would like to thank everyone that has come forward to assist us to date and for all the messages and emails. We will post updates asap. We apologise for not yet having responded to all messages and emails, but we promise to do so as soon as possible. Thank you very much to TRSS for placing night gaurds at our society tonight. We appreciate your support!
Our staff member was beaten and locked up, but otherwise thankfully unharmed and we have had offers of counselling which we will make use of.
Please help us to upgrade our security, we cannot do this on our own. Thank you for all the support!”
You can follow the story via their Facebook page here and contact them there too if you would like to offer anything else they may need.