SPCA withdraws mobile clinic from Khayelitsha after gunmen target staff and animals

After opportunistic criminals attempted to hijack staff, the Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has announced the removal of its mobile clinic in Khayelitsha. 

The mobile clinic operator has managed to live to tell the tale after two armed hijacking attempts. 

“I drove for my life and theirs,” the operator, who has asked to remain anonymous, said. 

The latest armed hijacking attempt took place on Thursday, July 24, and the first just two days earlier. 

At the time of the incident, there were four cats and 12 dogs inside the mobile clinic who were being returned home following sterilisation at the SPCA’s Animal Hospital. 

“I’m the breadwinner at home. My immediate concern was what would happen to my family if I were not here anymore – and what would happen to the animals in my van. Then I drove for my life – and theirs. One gunman was in front of the vehicle, and the other at my side window. I am thankful to God that I was able to get away,” he explained. 

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson, Belinda Abraham, said while the staff member escaped physical harm, the trauma of these attacks has left the mobile clinic team visibly shaken. 

She said counselling and psychological support are being provided through the SPCA’s staff wellness initiatives. 

Abraham said this had led the Cape of Good Hope SPCA to make the difficult decision to withdraw its mobile clinic services from Khayelitsha with immediate effect.

“This is devastating for the animals of Khayelitsha. Crime threatens human lives, and now it has robbed animals of essential veterinary care. The SPCA mobile clinics are a lifeline for pets in this community, providing vaccinations, sterilisation, and parasite treatments in an area where access to veterinary care is already so limited. We are incredibly saddened that it has come to this,” Abraham said. 

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA said its priority remains the safety of its staff who often work under extreme risk to provide services to animals in crime-ridden areas. 

“While we continue to seek safer ways to proactively serve in these communities, our commitment to animal welfare in Khayelitsha will, for the immediate future, be limited to inspectorate services only,” Abraham said. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

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