THE Highway Hospice Shop in Pinetown was stripped of its copper pipes by unknown men who broke into the premises in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Highway Hospice depot manager, Robbie Slabbert said he came in at about 11am to do his routine check as the shop was closed for the holidays.
“I was shocked when I stepped into water which was gushing out of the kitchen wall.”
Slabbert said when he went to investigate, he found that copper pipes were stolen.
“They also stole copper pipes from the air conditioners,” said Slabbert.
He said he believes that the perpetrators were still in the premises when he entered and might have disturbed them.
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“They gained entry into the premises by breaking the bottom slab of the brick fence from Underwood Road. No one could see them from the road as there is a bank next to the road, so it was easy for them to break in,” explained Slabbert.
“I was so lucky that I could find a plumber on a public holiday to fix the pipes but lots of water was wasted as the pipes were fixed at about 2pm.
“Water was wasted for seven hours as I could not switch the water off since there are no taps on the main meter outside.”
He said this has really hit them hard as they are a non profit organisation and depend on donations.
“This is going to cost us thousands and we are now forced to use the money that could be useful to us and our project.”
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Police and Blue Security responded to the incident and a case was opened at Pinetown SAPS.
Anyone who can help the shop cover the cost or wish to donate their unused goods which are sold at the shop to raise funds can contact Robbie Slabbert on 031 709 2647.
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