VIDEO: No foul play suspected in Durban butchery fire

UPDATE: 

Metro Police spokesperson, Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad has since confirmed there had been looting and vandalism in the Durban CBD and one person has been arrested.

Please see the update on our article here. 

METRO Police have ruled out foul play and confirmed there was no looting during a fire at a Durban butchery earlier today (25 January).  

Speaking about the incident, Metro Police spokesperson, Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad, said, “There was no looting and there are no arrests. The fire started inside the store and has now been put out by the fire department. People are spreading fake news on social media.” 

 Sewpersad has warned residents against spreading unverified news on social media. 

In forwarded WhatsApp chain messages, it was alleged that a group of armed protesters were running through Durban central demanding that shops be closed down and setting them alight.

ALSO READ: VIDEO: Military veterans protest, shut down foreign-owned shops in Durban

“That was fake news. I have not received reports of armed protesters and only one store had been on fire but it was not started by protesters,” added Sewpersad.

Sewpersad said there were no injuries reported.  

The Berea Mail has reached out to the butchery, whose name is known to the paper, for comment.

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