Local Somali businessman Mr Ali Mohamud, who has endeared himself to the local communities through his generosity, was hit hard in a burglary last Thursday and is still counting his losses.

Thieves broke into his shop and stole cash, airtime vouchers and stock to the value of more than R73 000.

Mohamud, who is well known for his donations and sponsorships, said he arrived at his shop at the Venda Plaza in the morning but did not notice that his shop had been burgled. It was only after serving a customer that he noticed that the loose money he had left the previous day for change was missing.

"On checking around the shop, I could see that something was amiss. Everything was just upside down and it was clear that the shop had been ransacked. I noticed that several boxes of expensive shoes were missing. Items of clothing were also missing as well as many airtime vouchers and some cash.”  He said he first thought that the thieves might have entered using a key, but later found that they had cut a big hole in the roof through which they had gained entry.

"I am still in a state of shock. I have been renting this shop for more than 10 years and nothing of this nature has ever happened. I am surprised as the shop is situated in a closely guarded area with security everywhere. I am still struggling to figure out what could have happened. I have put everything in the hands of the police, whom I commend for the good work they have done here,” he said.

The modus operandi is the same as the one used during a recent burglary at a shop in Sibasa. Thieves also cut open the roof in order to gain entry to the shop. Thohoyandou police spokesperson Const Avhafarei Tshiovhe said a business housebreaking case had been opened. "We have not made any arrests so far and are appealing to our communities out there who might have information about the case to please inform us," she said.