A Noordhoek shelter for abused and neglected horses is asking the public to help it secure its gear and supplies following a trespassing incident there last month.
A 47-year-old man who jumped over two fences to enter Tom Ro Haven’s property on Wednesday May 22 was arrested and subsequently cautioned and discharged after being found guilty in the Simon’s Magistrate’s Court, on Friday May 24, of trespassing, according to Fish Hoek police spokesman Warrant Officer Peter Middleton
“He came in over the fence from the property next door,” said the non-profit’s chairperson, Gillian McCullogh.
“My daughter, Stephanie, and one of our committee members, Ben Theron, were further down the field working with some previously abused women when they spotted him come over and go straight to Ben’s rucksack and start rummaging through it.”
When confronted, the man claimed he wanted to ride a horse. However, when asked why he did not approach them and why he was going through the rucksack, he had no answer and then proceeded to leave.
The man was later apprehended.
Ms McCullogh said the incident had left staff feeling nervous.
In an incident last year, thieves stole goods and gear worth more than R60 000 (“Horse haven needs help after burglary blow,” Echo March 30, 2023), and the shelter subsequently put up solar-powered lights that detect motion and rented a shipping container to store blankets and animal feed.
However, the shelter still needs another shipping container to store gear such as saddles, bridles and various supplies.
“We would love the community to support us and continue being aware of what is happening on our field and to call us if they suspect anything may not be right, regardless of the time, day or night,” Ms McCullogh said.
Contact Gillian McCullogh at gillian@tomrohaven.org.za for more information.
