Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 22-03-2018

The legal counsel for an orphanage in Lenasia has told Radio Islam he along with a group of concerned citizens have secured donations for the institution after its assets worth an estimated value of a R 109,000 were allegedly unlawfully attached by the Sheriff of the court.

It’s understood essential items which include washing machines, tumble dryers, office furniture, cell phones, computer equipment and laptops were taken away from the Global Relief Welfare Service, a school and home for the homeless which houses about sixty girls on Tuesday after a security guard employed by the orphanage lodged a complaint with the labour court.

According to Advocate Moosa Vardalia, the security guard was replaced with another official after he failed to return to work following his leave in December last year.

Vardalia says the Sheriff and his employees drove off with the assets and failed to provide Global Relief with a copy of the writ nor an inventory list of what was seized even after being asked to do so by officials of the orphanage.

He says the actions of the Sherriff is unacceptable and a travesty of justice.

“We notified the Sheriff in writing this morning of what has transpired and we are affording him an opportunity until four o clock this afternoon to respond to us whether he’s going to release those important assets the orphan girls require for living daily.”

Vardalia says if the assets are not returned, he will take action.

“If he doesn’t have that humanity with him, to see what they’ve done wrong than I am going to approach the High Court on an urgent basis to have such goods removed.”

Vardalia says he is also going to report the matter to the Human Rights Commission as the rights of orphans must be protected.