Patrons of the League of Friends of the Blind (LOFOB) in Grassy Park have been left traumatised following a spate of break-ins at the busy centre. This past week alone, LOFOB experienced four break-ins at its Klip road premises.

In the most recent incident on Saturday afternoon, suspects stole mobile phones from staff. Two people were arrested on Saturday and appeared on theft charges.

On Monday, blind patrons staged a protest at the Wynberg magistrate’s court against the crime in the area, appealing for police protection.

“It’s been a terrible time. People are fearful and yet these suspects consistently break into the house where blind people are living,” said LOFOB chairperson Phillip Bam.

Lofob offers visually impaired children, adults, their families and care-givers support and development programmes to care for themselves and others. The centre has been working in the community fir 80 years, and its early childhood development centre is the only one of its kind in the Western Cape.

The centre is relatively secure with barbed wire fences and locks on the gates, which have been since been broken by criminals. Bam said the suspects jumped over the barbed wire fence.

“Every time they broke in, we were alerted and could stop them from stealing more items. But yet they keep on coming back.”

Western Cape police spokesperson Constable Noloyiso Rwexana said two suspects aged 18 and 19 years were arrested on Saturday. A case of trespassing and malicious damage to property.

“Grassy Park SAPS was called and suspects was arrested on the scene. A  case of trespassing and malicious damage to property was registered for investigation. At this stage all cases reported are under investigation.” VOC