Local non-profit organisation, Victory4All, which caters for the educational and nutritional needs of children in the Kouga region, has suffered yet another break-in at their Rainbow Village Centre in Humansdorp, at least the 100th break-in since its establishment, 20 years ago.
As previously reported by the Kouga Express, Victory4All was established almost 20 years ago by Johan Vos and his wife, Astrid, in a bid to break the cycle of poverty by providing Christian-based quality education in Kouga.
Since then, the two have continued to expand their humanitarian services through the Victory4All Foundation and have established Noah’s Ark Pre-School, five foster homes in Jeffreys Bay and three in Humansdorp, King’s College Primary and High School in Oceanview and Rainbow Village Centre in Humansdorp, to provide education to children living with disabilities.
Despite the good work done by Johan and his wife, their various centres have experienced multiple break-ins.
Since the start of the year, thieves have broken in and stolen goods at their Rainbow Village’s Shalom Centre and at their Rainbow School in Humansdorp.
Furthermore, thieves have broken into their foster homes in Humansdorp and stolen a huge part of their fence, and in a separate incident they stole the electric pump next to one of their foster homes for the third time in three years.
“Most of the time they quickly steal something and run away with whatever they can grab but the sad part of this whole situation is that every time they break into our premises, they vandalise the building as well, which is so unnecessary,” said Johan.
He said that they have experienced at least 100 break-ins in the last 20 years at their various premises throughout the Kouga region which has left them feeling frustrated.
The most recent break-in was at the Rainbow Village Centre in Humansdorp in September, where thieves broke a window and stole a grass cutter, electric tools, fencing and an electric pump.
He said that they had reported every break-in to the local police station for insurance purposes but have not got any feedback.
“We understand that the crime rate in the area is sky high and we believe that the local police station is busy with many cases,” said Johan.
“We have seen a great increase in crime since 2020 and we hope that it will decrease soon.”
Johan said they have approximately 10 break-ins every year but thankfully due to the quick response by Smhart Security the thieves were not always able to succeed in stealing and damaging items.
Despite the advanced security system, thieves have stolen countless items and damaged their property, which has cost a lot of money.
“We have our insurance policies to help cover part of the damages and stolen items, but they never pay the full amount needed. The break-ins cost us money which we need and a lot of time and headaches,” said Johan.
He said that his hope is for people to understand that their organisation is an NPO, and they need every rand for the children they reach out to.
To combat the multiple break-ins at their various premises, Johan said they plan to employ security guards and place trained dogs at each location.
“These extra security measures will cost us a fortune, which is money wasted. The money could have been used to help many children that need help,” said Johan.
