Beware of mirror campaigns: Support the original Back-a-Buddy initiative for Karl Sander

The organiser of a Back-a-Buddy page raising funds to buy a new coffee machine for Warrant Officer Karl Sander has issued an alert about mirror campaigns.

Speaking to IOL, who first reported on the campaign, Kyle van Reenen said he has become aware of similar campaigns that have since emerged following the success of the page he launched.

"I have also become aware of what appear to be mirror campaigns that may have emerged following the success of this initiative. While I cannot comment on their legitimacy, I will be engaging with BackaBuddy to bring them to their attention so that any necessary verification can be undertaken," he said.

"For those wishing to support this cause, I encourage you to ensure that any contribution is made through the original verified campaign," van Reenen added.

So far, R207,889 has been raised for a new coffee machine for Sander.

Sander, a senior investigator at the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) or the Hawks in KwaZulu-Natal, this week, wrapped up his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in relation to the theft of more than 500 kilograms of cocaine bricks worth R200 million from the Port Shepstone Hawks office in November 2021.

His machine was also stolen.

"I passed. I just wanted my coffee machine back. I didn't get it back," Sander said.

"My only safe space was my coffee machine and then they stole my coffee machine (from) inside the DPCI. I am laughing about it but it is still so annoying and I had to get polygraphed because of the theft of my own coffee machine," he added.

Van Reenen said in the interest of transparency, any funds remaining after the replacement of the coffee machine will be directed towards the training and development of narcotics K9 officers.

"A full update on the allocation of funds will be provided at the conclusion of the campaign at the end of the month," he said. 

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

IOL