An alleged arson attack at the Ihata Shelter for abused women and children in Welcome Estate caused damage estimated at over R50 000 in the early hours of Saturday morning.
It is believed the fire was premeditated, as the shelter's gate remote motor was stolen on Tuesday during a burglary.
Chief Operations Officer Nuraan Osman said the fire destroyed essential items including ten computers to the value of R4 000 each that was about to be set up for their youth development program. A food trailer valued at R25 000, used for training clients in the shelter's sustainability kitchen, was also lost.
Beds with mattresses to the value of R8 000 and wooden structures to the value of R14 000 and many other items that were lost in the fire.
"Because the gate motor was stolen, we secured the gate with a padlock, but the thieves forced entry," Osman said. "CCTV footage show three men entering the storeroom and deliberately setting it alight. "Evidence shows that this was a premeditated attack and not just a random mistake.
"The sad reality is that the suspects are people who regularly get food, blankets and assistance from the shelter.
"No one was hurt. The storeroom is located next to our community youth office and the wall of the youth development office also burned down. We can only help six people at a time.
"Our shelter has been burgled six times this year, our old age home nine times last year in Heideveld and it is the substance users in the community who we try to help and refer many of them to rehab and feed them regularly.
"Some of their children even come to creche at the shelter but after 15 years my heart is really heavy because like the Afrikaans saying goes ‘stank vir dank’.
"We are not expecting praises or thanks, but we expect some respect for the services we bring to the community.”
City Fire and Rescue spokesperson Jermain Carelse said the incident was reported at around 5.05 about an informal structure on fire.
“Crews from Epping were on scene and firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze just after 6am and requested the assistance of the South African Police Service."
Meanwhile, Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg says: "In response to your media enquiry kindly be advised that an arson case was registered for investigation. No arrests have been made. The investigation continues.
Osman has appealed for any assistance with any donations to help rebuild or donate any equipment. Anyone willing to assist with donations or other supplied can contact 083 712 2703.
Cape Argus