The 2ha vegetable garden in an Etwatwa informal settlement, which became operational in 2015, was targeted by thieves on August 11.
The City Times ran a front page article on the garden in the newspaper dated July 8.
The idea of planting a vegetable garden was established by Kids Haven in 2011, when the charity visited the Siphumelele Care Centre in Etwatwa as part of another initiative.
According to co-ordinator of fund-raising at Kids Haven, Susan Daly, the thieves stole equipment and tools to the estimated value of R71 780.
“They broke the main gate chain, scared off our unarmed security guard and stole our entire eight-piece solar panel after cutting through the high razor wire,” said the programme manager of community development, Sam Mokgopha.
“They broke the handles of the steel container and stole the 12v battery, the converter, gardening tools and all our spare plumbing connections.”
The solar-powered irrigation system is used to operate the borehole, so pipes have been temporarily reconnected to the municipality’s water connection for irrigation.
However, those who are involved in taking care of the garden aim to have it fully and independently operational again with the help of the community.
“We appeal to the readers to assist us through finding a charitable donor who could sponsor us to find replacements,” Mokgopha added.
According to him, a case of theft was opened at the Putfontein Police Station.
“We also appeal to your readers in Mogoba and Daveyton to assist the SAPS to catch the criminals who did this,” he said.
A lot of equipment and tools are still needed.
“It would help us greatly if anyone could donate any amount that could help us restore the borehole, plus any donations of tools and irrigation pipes or sprinklers,” Daly said.
“These could be second-hand and we would collect.”
Daly also said any suggestions to better secure the property are welcome.
“We would love to engage with experts who could volunteer help,” she added.
Anyone who would like to donate any equipment or who needs more information about the equipment needed, is asked to contact Kids Haven members Fani Mnisi on 082 672 0290, Daly on 083 442 7717, Mokgopha on 073 265 4135 or the Kids Haven office on 011 421 4222.
The City Times contacted the Putfontein Police Station for comment, but none had been received at the time of going to print.
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