Warrant Officer Karl Sander’s Coffee Machine BackaBuddy Campaign Raises Over R656,000

• The BackaBuddy campaign started for Hawks investigator Karl Sander after his coffee machine was stolen reached a significant financial milestone
• Campaign organiser Kyle van Reenen confirmed that a huge amount was transferred into an attorney's trust account after a month of fundraising
• Warrant Officer Sander previously revealed that he wants the funds directed toward narcotics detection dogs rather than personal use

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

GAUTENG — The BackaBuddy campaign, launched in support of Warrant Officer Karl Sander, has crossed a major milestone, with R656,064 successfully transferred into an attorney's trust account.

The campaign originated after WO Sander, a senior investigator at the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in KwaZulu-Natal, testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that his coffee machine had been stolen.

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During his testimony, he stated simply that he wanted it back. The remark resonated widely, prompting Kyle van Reenen to launch a BackaBuddy campaign to replace it.

Funds processed with full transparency

Van Reenen confirmed that over the past month, Warrant Officer Sander and the campaign organisers worked closely with BackaBuddy to ensure all funds were handled correctly and in line with the platform's requirements.

"The next phase will focus on the allocation and use of the funds. Further updates will be provided in due course, with organisers pledging to maintain the transparency that has guided the campaign," van Reenen said.

Despite the campaign's origins in replacing a stolen appliance, Sander has made clear he has no intention of using the money for personal gain. He previously said he wanted the funds directed toward crime-fighting efforts, specifically the acquisition or training of specialised narcotics detection dogs.

Major General Senona explains Sander's polygraph test decision

Briefly News reported that Major General Lesetja Senona testified about claims made by Warrant Officer Karl Sander.

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The former Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) explained why a polygraph test was done.

South Africans took to social media to weigh in on General Senona's claims, sharing mixed reactions to them.

Source: Briefly News