KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Sihle Zikalala has condemned the reports of looting in the province, which is already dealing with devastating floods.
It seems people have taken advantage of the current situation in KZN, as images and videos on social media have shown people helping themselves to goods from trucks and containers in several parts of the province.
It was speculated that the containers were targeted as they were accessible, although many decided to brave the channels of the newly formed rivers to reach the goods. Towards the north of Umlazi in KZN, trucks were under also attack and drivers were threatened for their cargo by the desperate residents ravaged by the floods.
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KZN PREMIER ON RECENT LOOTING DURING FLOODS
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, Sihle Zikalala says the authorities will work to ensure the restoration of law and order, amid the looting incidents.
“We also wish to condemn reports of the looting of containers which were affected by the rains as the raging Umlazi River threw them into the N2. We will not allow what is a tragic development in our province to be taken advantage of by criminals”
“Law enforcement agencies have been deployed and we call on all law enforcement agencies to ensure that all property is protected from criminality and that law and order is maintained during this period”
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Sihle Zikalala
The reports of looting in KZN are worryingly reminiscent of the July riots, where community members across the province targeted malls and other establishments. This led to thousands of jobs being lost – and even spread to Gauteng.
Even the DA’s Andrew Whitfield took note of this, saying in part: “These images are extremely disturbing. Especially since they are strongly reminiscent of the violence and looting that took place in the same province in July last year. The DA calls on the police minister, Bheki Cele, to immediately intervene and ensure that the South African Police Services in the province are on high alert and immediately clamp down on these incidents,”
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