KNYSNA NEWS - How low can crime go? This the question that's been cropping up in Knysna after a nonprofit organisation, Sinithemba, last week fell victim to a break-in at their centre for the fourth time in two months.

The organisation that aims to encourage self-sufficiency among youth, keep them off the streets (away from a life of crime) and restore their hope for the future, has been struggling to raise funds to buy a vehicle to transport the children to and from the centre, but they keep having to spend these savings on repairs after the break-ins.

Director Michael Smith says the break-ins are not only heartbreaking but infuriating because the organisation exists purely for the benefit of the community – and members of the same community are most probably behind the act.

The last break-in occurred on Sunday 22 July around 02:00, when a bicycle was stolen.

“The break-ins happened some two weeks apart. We know that two of the crimes were perpetrated by the same person because we caught the man. It is someone who doesn’t stay far from the centre and on each occasion he would come in after we received food donations. He breaks the windows and burglar gates and takes all the food.”

Smith said that what is so frustrating is that they are trying to raise funds for a vehicle and end up dealing with the aftermath of a break-in spending money they don’t have.

“What people don’t understand is that should the organisation discontinue its service, it is the community that stands to lose the most – and it could get to that if the community is not taking note of what the organisation is doing and taking ownership of it,” said Smith.

To date, they have managed to save R45 000 towards a vehicle, but they still have a long way to go.

Smith is appealing to the Greater Knysna community to help keep the organisation running and protecting it.

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