WATCH: A week of destruction in Kathorus

While riots and looting occurred around the country, the Kathorus community had planned for a shutdown protest over service delivery.

The protest action was planned for July 12 by workers and Kathorus forums.

The protest was organised prior to the looting that took the country by storm.

A voice note message was shared several weeks ago via WhatsApp, cautioning residents about the shutdown that was expected to be held on July 12.

WATCH: MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi engage with business owners.

It was followed by another voice note several days later, informing residents about the cancelled protest after Ekurhuleni Mayor Mzwandile Masina was hospitalised due to Covid-19 complications.

According to the composer of the voice note, they wanted Masina to directly respond to their demands, hence they cancelled the protest.

Masina was also unable to receive their memorandum of demands on May 27, 2020, when the forums marched to Katlehong Customer Care Centre. It was received and signed by MMC for Waste Management Makhosi Mabaso instead.

It is unclear whether the riots were sparked by the arrest of the former president or criminal acts or desperation for revolution.

WATCH: Members of the VBDTA assault a man found at the mall.

Kathorus looting

The riots resulted in vandalism and the destruction of prominent and local businesses.

On July 11 at around 18:00 the riots penetrated the township, leaving most malls, shopping centres and local businesses destroyed in Katlehong, Vosloorus and Thokoza.

Gold Spot shopping centre, Lesedi and Naledi malls in Vosloorus were among the first to witness the destruction, with Sam Ntuli and Letsoho shopping centres in Thokoza and Sontonga Mall in Katlehong.

Some shops were set alight, while others were broken into, property damaged and products looted.

The looters cut the fence to gain entry into Sontonga Mall in Katlehong. They looted liquor, furniture, electrical appliances, clothes, food, building material and everything they could get their hands on.

Gunshots were heard as police tried to disperse the crowds who were undermining the law.

Mayhem continues after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address

The malls around Kathorus were not spared by the looters, even though President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the acts of violence and destruction of property during his address on July 12.

The likes of Sam Ntuli and Chris Hani malls suffered the same fate.

When Kathorus MAIL arrived at Sam Ntuli the following morning, people were waiting for police to leave so they can clean up what was left of the mall.

A resident from the area, who wished to remain anonymous, complained that most of the people who looted were residing in places further away, such as Phola Park.

While the violence in other areas settled on July 13, it continued at Vosloorus Cambridge Food and Chris Hani Mall.

Police were able to prevent further damage to infrastructure and property. People were throwing stones at law enforcement officers who were guarding the shopping centre.

Intervention

WATCH: Chairperson of VBDTA Bos Mbatha says they want to have peace in the community.

This continued until July 14, when stakeholders including the CPF, SAPS, community leaders and the CoE mayor’s office held a meeting at Vosloorus SAPS to work out a solution.

After the meeting, the stakeholders went to Chris Hani Mall to engage with the people.

The SAPS and EMPD were already on scene, as well as the Vosloorus and Boksburg District Taxi Association (VBDTA). They were joined by the SANDF.

The stakeholders calmed the people down before addressing them.

Vosloorus SAPS station commander Brig Themba Denge pleaded with residents to adhere to the Disaster Management Act. He warned that police will be arresting people who are found roaming the streets during curfew.

Chairperson of VBDTA Bos Mbatha said he is saddened by the chaos.

“At a time when job opportunities are scarce, we destroy malls that employ many families in the township,” said Mbatha.

The looters were also given an opportunity to ask questions, as the majority of them were not pleased with the VBDTA.

WATCH: Stakeholders call people who engaged in looting for engagement.

They blamed a member of the taxi association for the killing of 14-year-old Vusimuzi Dlamini from Tshamahantshe, Sunrise; he was shot dead.

Earlier on July 14 two bodies were found: a 27-year-old man near Cashbuild with a bullet wound to his knee and a 30-year-old man with a bullet wound to the back of his head on Isethu Street behind Shoprite.

Police reports suggested a fourth person died while they were trying to burn an ATM. People apparently stamped on him while trying to retrieve the money.

The aftermath

With most malls closed, it became difficult for many to access services and resources.

The recent events have placed people’s jobs at risk and affected many financially, emotionally and psychologically.
According to MP Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the death toll related to the recent unrest has risen to 79 in Gauteng and 258 in KwaZulu-Natal.

Cleaning campaigns

WATCH: Acting Mayor Lesiba Mpya during the stakeholders meeting at Vosloorus SAPS.

On July 16 MECs and Gauteng premier David Makhura took part in clean-up drives. Makhura was part of the campaign at Chris Hani Mall.

The premier commended all community, taxi association and policing forum members who risked their lives to ensure businesses return to normalcy.

“Communities should continue working with law enforcement agencies and take charge. However, I strongly advise you do so within the confines of the law,” said Makhura.

MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi and MMC for Waste Management Makhosi Mabaso help at Lesedi and Naledi malls.