‘Please bring our vehicle back’
If anybody has information on the whereabouts of the vehicle please call Masentle Mofokeng on 076 130 2345 or on 011 987 1005.
The Tokologo Self Help Centre is still disgruntled after the loss of the vehicle they used to help them get around Protea daily.
One morning members and some residents who live on the premises woke up and discovered that their vehicle had been stolen.
Masentle Mofokeng, centre coordinator explained how it was not just any normal vehicle, but it was a specially designed vehicle for those who are disabled.
“We lost a vehicle that is used to transport disabled people and unfortunately for us, we are not able to use taxis; even though we are situated 5mins away from the taxi rank we can’t access the taxis due to the fact that they can’t accommodate us,” said Mofokeng.
Mofokeng said that the vehicle, a white quantum was mainly designed to accommodate people who are in wheelchairs so that they are able to go for their clinic and hospital visits, to church, to travel to the mall and to be able to do everything that able-bodied people do with ease.
“We discovered the car was gone last year on October 26 and we are pleading to any community members that have seen the car to let us know of its whereabouts.
“When we found it was gone, we realized that the gate was closed but it was unlocked the following morning. When we went outside to lock the gate, we realized that the car was no longer on the premises.
“The car has a disabled lift on the inside and was last seen with the registration number BN 50 VW GP. The vehicle was bought in 2011 and was the only one that was still in a good condition, the one the centre is left with has seen better days.”
Mofokeng says they are waiting for it to breakdown at any time which will make matters worse as that one was bought in 2008.
The crime was reported on the same day and 11 months later the centre is still waiting for the investigating officer because he has never been to the centre.
He was called recently to check on the progress of the investigation. According to Mofokeng, he said the reason for the delay was that he was put on duty on a special case.
“I’m surprised because he is implying that this case is not special enough? We don’t have transport as disabled people.
“It’s only recently that we’ve been able to get a hold of him. Right now, we are struggling to move around the community, so we are forced to stay indoors the majority of the time, even though we are so close to taxis we can’t access them.
“The centre highlighted how residents of the area have been empathetic in their time of need but there is not much they can do at the moment.”
The Communication Officer of the Protea Glen SAPS was approached for comment and he said, “The case is still open, the vehicle has not been found yet and if there are any developments, the affected victims will be notified.”
“Somebody very cruel and heartless just came and stole the car and we want to say to them ‘please bring it back’,” pleads Mofokeng.
Tokologo is asking residents to please assist them in their plight to bring the vehicle home.
If anybody has information on the whereabouts of the vehicle please call Masentle Mofokeng on 076 130 2345 or on 011 987 1005 or contact warrant officer Tolomo on 082 413 0281.
Social Media Platforms for News:
Twitter: @SowetoUrban, Facebook: Soweto Urban News, Instagram: @SowetoUrban
News site 1: Westside-Eldos Urban News, News site 2: Soweto Urban News
