Animal rescue workers attacked during outreach, mobile clinics suspended

Animal Rescue Organisation (ARO) staff members are recovering after being attacked and robbed while conducting routine community veterinary outreach near the Siyahlala Clinic, close to Brown’s Farm in Philippi last week Daily Voice has reported.

ARO spokesperson Lindsey Concer said two employees were stationed at the mobile clinic near the Siyahlala Clinic when the incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, 2 December.

“Two of our team were surrounded by nine men and trapped inside the mobile clinic vehicle,” Concer said. “The attackers began to physically assault them by twisting their arms, repeatedly hitting them, and attempting to force them into the vehicle — apparently with the intention of moving them to a second location.”

Concer said her colleagues showed immense courage in resisting the attackers, likely preventing a kidnapping.

“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.

The assailants stole the victims’ personal mobile phones, driver’s licences and other belongings.

ARO reported the case to Philippi police.

Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed a robbery case had been opened after victims were robbed of their phones in Siyahlala, Brown’s Farm.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and no arrests have been made,” Twigg said.

ARO operates a main clinic in Ottery and runs two mobile clinics serving communities in Philippi, Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Mfuleni and Samora Machel.

Concer noted that the organisation usually grounds its mobile units during part of December due to a rise in violent crime. In light of the attack, ARO has suspended both 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 each week, and we know this will cause hardship for those dependent on affordable veterinary care,” she said.

Pet owners in need of urgent assistance can visit ARO’s home clinic at 5 Olieboom Road, Ottery. “Our full-service clinic remains open and ready to assist throughout the festive season,” Concer added.

IOL