Animal Rescue Organisation staff attacked during community outreach in Philippi

The Animal Rescue Organisation (ARO) staff members are in shock after they survived an attack and robbery while doing their routine community veterinary outreach work near the Siyahlala Clinic, close to Brown’s Farm, Philippi, on Tuesday, December 2.

ARO spokesperson Lindsey Concer said two of their employees who were part of ARO’s mobile clinic stationed near the Siyahlala Clinic were attacked when nine men surrounded them at around 11 am.

According to Concer, the men trapped their employees who could not leave their mobile clinic. “The attackers began to physically assault them by twisting arms, repeatedly hitting staff, and attempting to force them into the mobile clinic vehicle with the apparent intention of moving them to a second location,” she said.

Concer said her colleagues showed immense courage to fight back against their attackers to prevent a possible kidnapping to a second location. “Although shaken, bruised, and concussed, we are profoundly relieved to confirm that our staff are physically safe.  However, the emotional impact is significant,” she said.

Concer said the criminals stole her colleagues' personal cellphones, driver’s licenses, and other belongings.

ARO reported the case to the Philippi police.

Provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, confirmed that a robbery case was reported on Tuesday, December 2, where the victims were robbed of their cellphones in Siyahlala, Brown’s Farm. “The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and no arrests have been made yet,” he said. 

ARO has its main clinic in Ottery, though it also runs two mobile clinics in Philippi, Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Mfuleni, and Samora Machel.

Concer said they normally ground their mobile clinics for part of December, as there is a high risk of violent crime during this time of the year. 

In light of this incident, ARO decided to ground both its mobile clinics for the rest of the year, effective immediately.

“This is not a decision we take lightly. We understand how many families and pets rely on our mobile services every week, and we know this will create hardships for those who depend on affordable veterinary care,” she said.

Concer said if pet owners need immediate care, they can visit the ARO home clinic at 5 Olieboom Road, Ottery. “Our full-service clinic remains open and ready to assist through the Festive Season,” she said. 

You can also call the ARO home clinic in Ottery at 021 396 5511.

Provincial police are appealing to anyone with information  to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.

Visit Animal Rescue Organisation or email [email protected] for more information.

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