A community-driven Back-a-Buddy campaign has been launched to replace Warrant Officer Karl Sander's stolen coffee machine.
Image: Screengrab
A Back-a-Buddy campaign has been launched to buy a new coffee machine for policeman, Warrant Officer Karl Sander.
Sanders, a senior investigator at Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) or the Hawks in KwaZulu-Natal, this week, Sanders testified 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.
Sander told the Commission, set up to investigate allegations of systemic infiltration of criminal syndicates, corruption, and political interference within South Africa's criminal justice system, that at the time of the theft, he was on leave.
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.
The campaign to purchase a new coffee machine was started by Kyle van Reenen.
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 has already reached R5,400
Image: Screenshot
"To some, it may just be a coffee machine. To Warrant Officer Sander, it was a small comfort during long days of service. A moment of peace. A simple reward earned through four decades of sacrifice and dedication to his community," he said.
Van Reenen, who worked alongside Sander at various times in his career, said Sander's conclusion of his testimony "felt like the closing scene of a season finale. The nation was captivated, hanging on every word".
He said it is a privilege to be able to assist Sanders in replacing his beloved coffee machine - "a small gesture for a man who has dedicated four decades of his life to serving others."
Already, R5,400 has been raised.
Van Reenen went on to thank those who have contributed thus far.
"Your generosity has demonstrated the very best of South Africa," he said.
"On 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," van Reenen added.
He said a full update on the allocation of funds will be provided at the conclusion of the campaign at the end of the month.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
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