Yesterday morning, what should have been a routine day of community veterinary outreach turned into a terrifying ordeal for the team of ARO’s Mobile Clinic 1.
While stationed at the Siyahlala Clinic, our staff were surrounded by approximately nine men, trapping them with no safe way to leave their clinic location. The attackers began to physically assault them by twisting arms, repeatedly hitting staff, and attempting to force them into the mobile clinic vehicle with the apparent intention of moving them to a second location.
In a moment of immense courage, our team fought back against being moved, preventing what could have become a far more dangerous situation.
Although shaken, bruised and concussed, we are profoundly relieved to confirm that our staff are physically safe. However, the emotional impact is significant.
During the attack, the criminals stole personal cellphones, driver’s licenses, and other belongings, leaving our team not only traumatised, but also navigating the aftermath of identity and personal loss.
Why We Are Grounding the Mobile Clinic
Every year, ARO grounds our Mobile Clinics for part of December. Historically, this period carries a higher risk for violent crime, and our priority is, and has always been, the safety of our team and the communities we serve.
In light of this incident and with the year-end approaching, we have made the difficult decision to ground both our Mobile Clinics for the rest of 2025.
This is not a decision we take lightly. We understand how many families and pets rely on our mobile services every week, and we know this will create hardships for those who depend on affordable veterinary care.
Where Pet Owners Can Go for Care
While our Mobile Clinics are grounded, pet owners who need veterinary care are encouraged to visit:
🐾 ARO Home Clinic – Ottery
Our full-service clinic remains open and ready to assist through the Festive Season.
5 Olieboom Road, Ottery – 021 396 5511
Or contact your local animal welfare organisation
Standing Together After a Traumatic Day
We are incredibly proud of our team’s bravery in the face of danger and grateful that they made it out safely.
What happened was unacceptable, frightening, and heartbreaking, especially to a team that shows up every single day to support animals and families in underserved communities.
We will continue to update the public as we support our staff through recovery and evaluate additional measures to strengthen safety going forward.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out with concern, support, and solidarity.
Your compassion reminds us why this work matters, even on the darkest days.
