Big losses as criminals hit ‘soft targets’

• Published date: 25 August 2021
• Author: Roshan Abrahams roshan.abrahams@inl.co.za
• Publication title: Southern Mail

While police are warning the community to take ownership of their area, community leaders and a principal are appealing to the community to point out the suspects as they struggle to replace stolen items, which cause a delay in feeding the community and educating the children.

Max Amansure is appealing for help after his non-profit organisation, Parkwood Community Upliftment Centre, was broken into allegedly by the same people who stood in line for food the week before.

Captain Wynita Kleinsmith, spokesperson for Grassy Park police, confirmed that the case was reported on Thursday August 19. “After the complainant was informed that his place was broken into, SAPS was called and managed to arrest the first suspect and later that day arrested another two suspects aged between 20 and 30 and they will appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court once they have been charged.”

A disappointed Mr Amansure's heart sank when he got a call in the middle of the night that thieves were busy breaking in at the centre, situated in a container, which feeds and serves the community.

When Mr Amansure, 24, got to the centre, one burglar ran past him with goods stuffed in a wheelie bin. “They first took our wheelbarrow to carry the stuff out. Then came back with a wheelie bin and filled it with more stuff.”

The thieves got away with three computers, black plastic storage containers, sporting equipment, brand new books, a box filled with sanitary towels used to make up packs to donate to the community, toys, board games, and more. “They left the place in a mess.”

He daily feeds the community via donations. “It was hard to accept that this happened because we have had a great impact on the community on a daily basis.”

Not only do they feed people, but also help children with an after-school programme by helping with homework and if they are done, Mr Amansure said he invested in buying board games and skipping ropes to keep the children entertained.

He also said when he recruits his volunteers they must carry the heart of the organisation.

“They need to trust us to confide in us. The youth are free to talk to us when they have a problem at home, and we try to help them work through it.”

However, Mr Amansure said some of the youth who are employed via the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) are unfortunately only interested in money instead of being interested in the impact that the programme has to help them get employed.

Pastor Paul Phillips, community leader of Parkwood, said...