Important East Rand Victim Empowerment Centre NPO robbed of everything by local gang.
APPEAL FOR ASSISTANCE FOR REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT
For the Kidz Clinic in Boksburg, operated by Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA) the new year did not start on a happy note.
The Boksburg Kidz Clinic, which has been providing free services to child abuse victims since 2000, would have celebrated its 25th year of operations in 2025.
Sadly, in the new year, the facility was broken into, robbed of everything, and maliciously vandalised.
The culprits were a gang of 5 men and one woman, who were caught by a local security company patrolling the area, on their second raid of the clinic while it was closed, and are currently in jail.
This gang is known to the Boksburg SAPS for other break-ins and robberies into houses and offices, and have been arrested before, which did not deter them from reoffending.
Unfortunately, by the time they were caught, they had already sold all the electronic equipment and computers they had stolen. They also got away with furniture, medical equipment, children’s toys and even the appointment book! They broke the taps out of the kitchen and bathroom, and ripped out the wiring from the air conditioners.
Miranda Jordan, Founder of WMACA said: “This has been absolutely devastating to us. These criminals took everything they could lay their hands on, and destroyed everything else. Why do that to an organisation that helps the community? We have been in clean-up operations for the last few days, trying to figure out what we have left, if anything.”
WMACA Executive Director, Kevin Barbeau said that this has now left the organisation in a situation where they were not able to open the clinic on the 7th of January as planned and are hoping to open tomorrow, the 14th of Jan. The social workers and staff will see children for their appointments, albeit without computers or communications for now.
It is imperative for Kidz Clinic not to let already traumatised children down, and to continue with assessments and therapy. The child protection detectives have been made aware of the situation and the staff are in touch with them on their personal cell phones.
Miranda Jordan continues by saying: “We have to completely recreate the space, to again be the child-friendly place of healing that it has always been, and we feel positive though, that if we rebuild and repair the clinic, restock it with toys and all the things that made it a haven for children, we can do a new relaunch of the facility later in the year, to celebrate the next 25 years of providing services.”
Damage to the property is estimated at more than R 210,000.00
WMACA are appealing to corporates, companies or individuals that could assist with any donations, financial contributions towards any of the stolen items listed below or repairs to the facility.
Section 18A tax certificates will be issued for financial contributions, and WMACA will provide all relevant NPO/PBO documentation and would gladly mention donors’ contributions on their social media platforms.
WMACA provide FREE medical, psycho-social and therapeutic services to children who are victims of criminal cases of sexual and physical abuse. The Kidz Clinics in Boksburg and Alexandra Township are outpatient facilities that provide services to child victims and their non-offending caregivers, as well as educational and preventative work at schools and Day-care centres over a vast geographical area, at no cost at all. The Boksburg Kidz Clinic alone sees on average 1300 new cases of sexual abuse per year.
Kevin Barbeau said that their insurance is only covering the cost of basic items like a new burglar alarm, new carpets, new doors and security gates, tap fittings, aircons and wiring that was stolen.
“We were unfortunately not covered for household contents and things like the gate motor and computers, and we would be incredibly grateful if the public or corporates who would like to make a difference would help us in this very distressing time. We have to continue our VITAL operations in this area, otherwise these children will fall through the cracks like so many others in the country.”
The list of immediate needs is as follows:
(We have sourced some quotes for the items, which are available on request, if needed)
- 1 x Internet Router and cabling (+ fibre installation) *
- 1 x VOIP Router, a switchboard and cabling (also fibre) *
- 9 x Laptops * – Lenovo Laptops Ideapad 3 Intel Core i5 + Windows 11 and Microsoft Office (4/8GB RAM + 1TB HDD)
- 1 x Epson Workforce Pro Printer, or similar large volume multi-functional office network WiFi printer (prices vary, depending on supplier, but we have a quote) + some high volume cartridges
- 5 x Epson Ecotank printers + cartridges (quote available)
- 2 x 2TB Transcend Storejet Hard drives – (for back-ups) OR a 2-year sponsorship for a Cloud back-up service
- 1 x Full size fridge
- Couches and chairs for Reception (these can be second hand, but must be in good condition for a high traffic area)
- Repainting the clinic (this can be done as a corporate team-building initiative)
- Repair of roof tiles and gutters that were damaged, also kitchen tiles and cupboards that were vandalised.
- A new Security camera system for the entire property
- Sponsorship for data and airtime for the social workers
* We have been approached by Dynamic IT, who will very kindly supply the electronic equipment at a reduced rate – quotes available on request.
“We would be truly grateful if you are able to assist us, as our free quality services are life changing to the child victims we support,” said Barbeau. “Please share with your contacts, especially those in the furniture, appliance or electronics industries.”
For more information on how you can help, or on the organisation itself, please contact WMACA Head Office:
Kevin Barbeau – kevin@wmaca.org – 082 307 1130
Vincentia Dlamini – boogie@wmaca.org – 082 896 9840
Tania Otto – tania@wmaca.org – 011 789 8815
Miranda Jordan – miranda@wmaca.org – 011 789 8815
