Boksburg clinic for abused children robbed and vandalised
King Price and Good Morning Angels stepped in to help the Boksburg Kidz Clinic after a gang ransacked and vandalised the facility, even setting fire to some rooms.
For the past 25 years, the Boksburg Kidz Clinic, operated by Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA), has been a haven for child victims of abuse.
The clinic offers free services to children, including therapy, medical reports, assessment reports, expert court testimony, and court preparation.
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They also assist the police and prosecution teams with their cases to bring offenders to justice.
The clinic, based in Boksburg, has helped over 17,000 children from all over the East Rand, including areas as far as Springs, Nigel, and Thembisa.
On New Year’s Eve, the clinic itself became a victim when a gang ransacked and vandalised the premises, even setting fire to some rooms.
What wasn’t stolen, was broken or damaged: medical, office, and security equipment, toys, therapy aids, appliances, and furniture.
Even the astroturf in the play area and the appointment book were taken. All the internal and external doors were broken, window handles were stolen, and case files were damaged. The storeroom, where non-perishables for care packs are kept, was emptied.
While the police acted quickly to arrest the gang responsible, none of the stolen goods were recovered.
The community has rallied around the centre, and some essential items have been replaced. However, much more still needs to be fixed, repaired, and replaced.
Kevin Barbeau, executive director of the Boksburg Kidz Clinic, is delighted that they could resume their most essential services on Monday, January 20.
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"We could not delay our services any longer. So many children depend on us for therapy and for their cases to go to court. We just had to start with what we have," Barbeau said.
He added that they are determined to emerge stronger from this setback: "… our message to these criminal gangs, thugs, pure evil individuals is that we are not intimidated, afraid, or scared of you. In fact, we will stand out and shine brighter so that we can assist even more children."
More info and support:
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit: https://www.wmaca.org/kidz-clinics/boksburg-kidz-clinic or https://www.facebook.com/WMACAKidz
Request for assistance: Boksburg Kidz Clinic, operated by Women and Men Against Child Abuse, represented by executive director Kevin Barbeau.
Angel 1: King Price Insurance
Sponsoring: Our friends at King Price Insurance have donated R80,000 to the Boksburg Kidz Clinic to help restore and replace what is needed to support the most vulnerable children in the East Rand community.
Angel 2: The Good Morning Angels Fund NPC
Sponsoring: The Good Morning Angels Fund has donated an additional R50,000 to support the rebuilding of the Boksburg Kidz Clinic, helping it emerge stronger and continue its vital work for children affected by abuse.
Original request:
KIDZ CLINIC FOR CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS DEVASTATED BY ROBBERY
The Boksburg Kidz Clinic, operated by Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA), has been left in dire straits after a robbery and vandalism by a local gang. This vital East Rand facility, which has been providing free medical, therapeutic, and psycho-social services to child abuse victims since 2000, sustained damages exceeding R210,000.
The gang stole essential items, including computers, medical equipment, furniture, and children’s toys, and destroyed wiring, air conditioners, and plumbing. Though the culprits were arrested, the clinic now faces immense challenges as it struggles to reopen and continue supporting the community.
WMACA founder Miranda Jordan described the event as “absolutely horrific", adding, “We must rebuild the clinic to again be a child-friendly place of healing.”
Insurance will only cover basic repairs, leaving the clinic reliant on public and corporate support for critical replacements.
How to help:
WMACA is appealing for donations of money, toys, furniture, or equipment. Section 18A tax certificates will be issued for financial contributions.
The Boksburg Kidz Clinic assists over 1,300 new cases of child sexual abuse annually, making it an essential resource for vulnerable children.
For donations or enquiries, please contact WMACA. Together, we can rebuild hope for these children.
The list of immediate needs is as follows:
We have sourced some quotes for the items, which are available on request if needed.
9 x laptops: Lenovo Laptops Ideapad 3 Intel Core i5 + Windows 11 and Microsoft Office (4/8GB RAM + 1TB HDD)
1 x Epson Workforce Pro Printer, or similar large volume multi-functional office network WiFi printer (prices vary, depending on supplier, but we have a quote) + some high volume cartridges
5 x Epson Ecotank printers + cartridges (quote available)
2 x 2TB Transcend Storejet Hard drives: for back-ups OR a 2-year sponsorship for a Cloud back-up service
1 x full-size fridge
Couches and chairs for reception (these can be second-hand, but must be in good condition for a high-traffic area)
Repainting the clinic (this can be done as a corporate team-building initiative)
Repair of roof tiles and gutters that were damaged, as well as kitchen tiles and cupboards that were vandalised
A new security camera system for the entire property
We have been approached by Dynamic IT, who will very kindly supply the electronic equipment at a reduced rate – quotes are available on request.
"We would be truly grateful if you are able to assist us, as our free quality services are life-changing to the child victims we support," said Barbeau.
"Please share with your contacts, especially those in the furniture, appliance or electronics industries."
Thanks to everyone who has already offered goods and services!
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IMAGE: Supplied