Durban - Allegations of pilfering by volunteers have surfaced at one of the three shelters set up to temporarily house foreigners displaced by xenophobic violence in Durban.
Volunteer organisations have set up tents at the shelters in Isipingo, Chatsworth and Phoenix to help foreigners with food and basic necessities.
While mayor James Nxumalo expressed his appreciation to those assisting with donations, city manager, Sibusiso Sithole, said there were allegations of pilfering in connection with the Phoenix camp.
“There are monitoring structures in place, however we will investigate any allegations made and take the necessary action,” Sithole said
Tracey Leigh Williams, spokeswoman for volunteer group, Wentworth and Newlands Angels, expressed concern at the alleged theft.
“Some individuals were placing goods in their vehicles - items like tinned food, toothpaste and toothbrush sets, perfumes, porridges. Why do people get involved in projects if it’s for their self-gain? This is why small organisations like us suffer,” Williams said.
“Everyone put their personal lives aside to assist a humanitarian need. My team was at the Phoenix camp for four days. We worked alongside one another. My organisation could have been branded too. I am sceptical about going back.”
A note warning of the theft was placed in the pocket of an eThekwini Municipality official who visited the Phoenix camp on Tuesday.
The anonymous writer stated that volunteers from one well-known organisation were helping themselves. The words, “don’t get me in trouble”, were underlined.
The chief executive of the South African Red Cross Society, Derick Naidoo, said he had gone to the camp on Tuesday to address complainants.
“All items are given to people on a need basis and we have technically provided hygiene packs with sanitary pads, etc, on a daily basis.”
A security company had been employed to guard goods.
“We are a humanitarian organisation that relies on public and donor support. Allegations such as these have a negative impact and would bring the organisation into disrepute.”
Police spokesman, Major Thulani Zwane, said Phoenix police were investigating a case of theft that was alleged to have occurred on Tuesday.
“Food parcels were allegedly stolen from the containers in Phoenix.”
Daily News