Community leaders of Dawn Park and Windmill Park have expressed their disappointment of how things unfolded during recent events of looting and vandalism in the area.
On July 12 to July 14, the Dawn Park Shopping Centre was looted and vandalised, while local shops in Villa Liza, Mapleton and Windmill Park were also looted.
Dawn Park community leader Ruel Mokoena has condemned the acts of vandalism, which took place at the Dawn Park Shopping Centre.
“On July 12 around 11:00, we called an emergency meeting via our community WhatsApp group where we discussed plans on how to protect our area, but we delayed to implement those plans because around noon we heard that residents from other areas had started looting.”
Mokoena said with the help of other members of the public, they assisted the owner of Dawn Park Butchery and another owner of a local pub to move their stock before looters reached the area.
“What happened is uncalled for. We now have to drive or board taxis to go to other shopping centres to access ATMs or buy food because our shopping centre has been damaged. I’m also feeling sorry for the employees whose livelihoods have been taken away from then.”
Mokoena urged community members to unite and find a way to work together to end future events of looting and vandalism.
Another community leader of Windmill Park, Dalton Magabane, said as leaders, they feel sad and ashamed.
Magabane shared that about 25 local shops in Windmill Park were targeted by looters. He said the commotion started on July 12 in Lindelani, where 14 shops were looted before spreading to other parts of Windmill Park.
Meanwhile, about 31 people have since been arrested for public violence.
According to Dawn Park SAPS acting spokesperson Capt Dan Mahlangu, a police vehicle was also vandalised during the protest, while some of the stolen items have been recovered. Mahlangu said no casualties have been reported and added they are still looking for other suspects.
Prosecution
NPA national spokesperson Adv Mthunzi Mhaga said the violence is not only criminal, but it also destroys the livelihoods of many South Africans, in particular the poor and most vulnerable.
“The NPA has confidence that law-enforcement authorities and the SANDF will appropriately address the situation and do what is necessary to prevent further violence and acts of criminality.
“In particular, the focus must be on bringing to justice those responsible for incitement to commit acts of violence and other forms of criminal conduct.”
Mhaga said the NPA is coordinating closely with relevant government departments to ensure full and transparent accountability for anyone accused of committing or inciting crimes linked to these violent protests and looting.
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