Warrant Officer Karl Sander, a senior Hawks investigator
Image: File
Warrant Officer Karl Sander will be able to not only replace his stolen coffee machine, he could even look into opening a coffee shop as a side hustle thanks to the generosity of Mzansi!
More than R120,000 has been collected to purchase a new coffee machine. The Back-a-Buddy page crashed late on Monday night with contributions coming in thick and fast.
IOL broke the news on Monday that a Durban man had started the fund for Sander after his own coffee machine was stolen during a robbery at his office.
Sanders, a senior investigator at 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.
He added that his coffee machine was also stolen - and that he had to undergo a polygraph afterwards.
"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.
Kyle van Reenen, a former paramedic who also worked in the private security sector said Sander's testimony struck a chord with many.
The Back-a-Buddy campaign is sitting on R 120, 770.
Contributer, Khomotso Moloko praised Sander."You did stand against the evil ones, and it was not for your personal battle but for all ordinary and helpless RSA people."
Many thanked Sander for his bravery.
IOL has also received emails from concerned readers, one even offering to supply coffee beans for a period of time.
The campaign has been a massive hit!
Image: Screengrab
Speaking to IOL, van Reenen said he did not expect the campaign to get this much attention.
"I thought the campaign would generate some support, but I certainly did not expect it to gain the level of attention it has. The response has been truly remarkable, and it has been heartening to see so many South Africans rally behind Warrant Officer Sander," he said.
He added that the support, generosity, and goodwill shown by members of the public have reaffirmed that we remain a nation that values service, integrity, and those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
Van Reenen warned that several new campaigns have been started and warned people not to be fooled.
"While I cannot comment on their legitimacy, I will be engaging with Back-a-Buddy to bring them to their attention so that any necessary verification can be undertaken.
"For those wishing to support this cause, I encourage you to ensure that any contribution is made through the original verified campaign. Thank you once again to everyone who has contributed, shared the campaign, and helped make this small gesture of appreciation possible," van Reenen said.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
IOL