Business owners in Actonville are left to rebuild after they lost millions to looters on July 11.
The Mnandi Superstore, situated opposite the hostels in Actonville, has been in operation for over 15 years, selling cosmetics, groceries and electronics.
Owner Kawar Ahmed said he is hurt by the actions of the looters as he watched them destroy over R1-million worth of stock.
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Rahul Amin, who was in the store at the time of the looting, explained he heard a commotion outside, right after the president’s address that Monday night (July 12).
“I heard banging on the door and people trying to get in. That is when I ran to the back and escaped out the back door as I feared they would hurt me.
“The police arrived and used the back door to try and disperse the crowd, but it was already too late as they had taken everything and when they were done, they set the store on fire.”
He added that the fire was put out with minimal damage caused but vagrants returned in the morning and stole four shelves, each valued at R3 000.
The store had no insurance cover and the owner is expected to cover all costs to repair and restock.
An emotional Ahmed said it would take about three years for him to recover from the loss.
Ward 29 councillor Imtiaz Loonat said the unrest is the work of criminals, although orchestrated by others.
“Due to unemployment people just join the looters. The police did not plan properly as this looting spree should have been anticipated by intelligence.’’
He added that community members and members of the CPF should be commended for assisting the police to avert further damage.
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