The SPCA branch in Sandton, Johannesburg, was forced to close its doors for the rest of Tuesday after an alleged robbery.
SPCA Sandton confirms robbery
In a statement released on social media, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals confirmed that the armed robbers ambushed staff members in the morning.
“The Sandton SPCA has just had an armed robbery and is CLOSED to the public for the rest of today,” the statement posted on their Facebook page wrote.
Fortunately, the staff members who were at the rescue centre on Tuesday morning, as well as animals, were not harmed during the scary encounter. At this time, the SPCA Sandton branch has not disclosed any information on how much — if any — was taken from the premises.
Moreover, it’s believed authorities were called in to comb the area for evidence and traces of the suspects who sped off in an unidentified vehicle.
Hours after the ordeal, the anti-animal cruelty centre thanked the public for sharing updates and showing concern.
“Thankfully all our staff and animals are ok after this morning’s armed robbery,” the statement read.
While it is not clear when the SPCA Sandton branch will reopen, the centre did indicate that it needs funds to beef up security.
“We will need to beef up security, and this will come at a cost. If you are able to make a contribution (big or small – every cent helps) towards our Security Fund please do an EFT transfer,” the centre pleaded.
Citizens who would like to make donations to the branch are advised to make EFT transfers using the banking information listed below:
This is not the first time the SPCA Sandton branch has been the target of a robbery.
As reported by Sandton Chronicle, the animal rescue clinic suffered damages totalling R150 000 following a burglary, where laptops and other valuables were stolen.
This is a developing story.