About 50 people were arrested and the body of a man was discovered following looting at Mayfield Square Shopping Centre, in Putfontein, yesterday and today (July 12 and 13). It is alleged looters also burnt down the KFC outlet at the centre at around 21:00 last night.
Putfontein SAPS spokesperson Const Raider Ubisi said police confiscated a vehicle and a toy gun during the looting at the mall.
“Some of the looters were caught in the act ransacking stores in the mall and two men in a Ford bakkie were caught loading stolen items into the vehicle,” said Ubisi.
Ubisi said the male body was found in one of the Pakistani shops near the mall.
All those arrested will be charged with public violence and being in possession of stolen goods.
Looting is continuing at the mall despite law enforcement officers attempting to chase the perpetrators away, police said today.
Daveyton Mall
Following the looting at Daveyton Mall on July 12, the mall will be closed for an indefinite period until further notice.
According to the statement from the centre management, they are assessing the damage and further details will be communicated regarding the timelines once we have ascertained the lead time on the repair work.
“We will continuously monitor the situation and advise when safety has been confirmed by the necessary law enforcement agencies for trade to resume,” read the statement.
“Due care, safety and well-being of our staff, shoppers, tenants, and greater community are of the utmost importance to us so all necessary safety protocols are being taken into account.”
Most of the shopping centres in Daveyton have been closed following the looting.
ALSO READ:
#presidentspeaks: SAPS reports on unrest incidents in Benoni today
ALERT: Truck loses cargo of booze on Golden Drive, looters take their chances
