Burglaries, vandalism cripple lifesaving club
The False Bay Surf Lifesaving Club in Muizenberg has fallen prey to two burglaries in less than a week, including one with extensive vandalism.
The electricity supply to the club was cut from the outside to disable the alarm during a burglary on Sunday September 17, according to club chairman Kishan Kaplan.
He believes the same intruders returned five days later to steal valuable gear they missed during the first break-in.
It was during that second break-in, on Friday September 22, he said, that the inside of the club was trashed, basins were smashed and metal fittings such as taps and showerheads stolen.
“They even removed the connectors to the geyser,” he said.
First-aid equipment, life vests, hand-held radios, spinal boards, and weight-training equipment were taken as well as a R30 000 motor for the club’s inflatable rescue boat.
Mr Kaplan said they had not officially closed the club, but it was not possible to continue operations, and the club would “most likely” not be able to participate in voluntary duty intakes, which start on the first weekend in November for all clubs.
The club leases the premises at the corner of Prince George Drive and Baden Powell Drive from the City.
City spokesman Luthando Tyhalibongo said an insurance claim would be submitted.
“Once this has been submitted and an outcome received, we will be in touch with the lessee to discuss the way forward,” he said.
Mr Kaplan said the club was using Click ‘n Donate to raise funds to replace some of the stolen equipment
The club was founded in 1959 and is one of South Africa’s pioneering lifesaving clubs with a rich history and strong membership, according to its website.
It trains lifeguards and does active voluntary lifeguard duty on Sunrise Beach.
Muizenberg police spokesman Captain Stephen Knapp said they were investigating two cases of burglary. No arrests have been made.
