VIDEO: City denies claims of police looting as protests flare up in Berea
Social media users sharing the video claimed police had found themselves on the wrong side of the law, joining in the looting of a supermarket in the Point area.
VIDEOS circulating on social media show looters flocking to various stores in Durban with one video showing police loading items into a police vehicle.
Social media users sharing the video claimed police had found themselves on the wrong side of the law, joining in the looting of a supermarket in the Point area on Sunday.
The eThekwini Municipality has denied the claims, saying police were confiscating loot from suspects.
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“The city notes with concern the video of Metro Police officers seen to be looting. Upon a preliminary investigation it was determined that the officers were not looting, but rather confiscating the goods from looters and recovering items that were abandoned by those criminal elements who were looting. In terms of police procedure and policy, all items recovered have been made in an SAPS register,” read the statement.
The City has urged the community to remain calm and listen to the radio and other media to stay informed of current developments.
“Hundreds of people have been detained with the evidence loaded in the vehicles. In terms of the law, the suspect, together with any evidence, must be taken to the police station and this is what has happened,” continued the statement.
The City also shared a brief statement on their Facebook Page, raking up more than 300 reactions and almost 200 comments within 30 minutes.
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Meanwhile, looting has increased in the Durban area, with shops in Berea, Glenwood, Springfield and Durban Central taking a hit.
Looters were spotted on the N3 highway, heading into Berea at about 08:30, on Monday.
A Musgrave resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said they spotted the crowd from their home.
“There were just a few people walking and then the numbers started increasing and they started coming from all directions. They were walking on N3, towards Berea, before moving up the road toward Glenwood,” they said.
Metro Police did not send their comment at the time this article was published.
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