Suspected drunk truck driver arrested for damaging animal clinic
A snapshot of the damage at the Mdzananda Animal Clinic after two vehicles crashed into their property in two separate incidents this week.
Image: Mdzananda Animal Clinic / Supplied
Devastated by the damage from a vehicle crash caused by alleged drunk driving, the Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha has launched an emergency fundraising appeal to repair extensive damage suffered in their clinic’s storage room.
Marcelle du Plessis, the clinic’s fundraising and communications executive, said the incident occurred on Tuesday night.
“Tragedy struck the Mdzananda Animal Clinic when a drunk driver drove a truck straight into the clinic’s operating theatre, causing devastating damage. This is after another vehicle had driven into its fence just the day before.
“The entire operating theatre will need to be rebuilt. In addition, the clinic’s storage room was flattened and requires urgent reconstruction. This is damage of an enormous scale – damage we could never have budgeted or prepared for,” said Du Plessis.
The Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha is seeking urgent support after a drunk driver caused significant damage to their facilities, including the operating theatre.
Image: Mdzananda Animal Clinic / Supplied
Du Plessis confirmed that no animals or staff were harmed in either incident.
The damage will impact services.
“While operations will be severely impacted, the dedicated staff have committed to continue treating animals and delivering the best possible care, despite reduced efficiency. The clinic has launched an emergency fundraising appeal to rebuild the theatre and restore full functionality.”
Members of the public have been urged to support the urgent rebuilding effort.
“Every contribution, no matter the size, will help us recover from this disaster. Thank you for standing with us in this time of crisis,” she said.
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said the incident was under investigation.
“Harare police are investigating a driving under the influence of alcohol case following an accident in which an adult male drove into a wall of a business premises in Govan Mbeki Road, Khayelitsha, on Tuesday at about 6pm.
“The suspect was arrested by law enforcement. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.”
Anyone with any information on the incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.
The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter has been serving the Khayelitsha community for 29 years, providing veterinary services, shelter, and humane education, serving 1500 animals per month.
To assist the clinic, members of the public can email info@mdzananda.co.za or visit www.mdzananda.co.za
Cape Times