WATCH: Pine Crest Centre closes for ‘indefinite period’ after looting
Shopping centres and stores across the Highway area will remain closed today.
DUE to the extent of the damage done to the stores and the building by looters, Pine Crest’s Centre management made the decision to close the mall for an indefinite period of time.
The centre was targeted by looters yesterday (July 12) and, as with many other shopping centres across the Durban area, store windows were smashed in and goods were stolen.
“Unfortunately, the protest has resulted in damage to property and unsafe conditions, therefore the mall will be closed for an indefinite period until further notice,” said the centre’s management in a statement.
In a video circulating on social media, one of the looted stores is engulfed in flames while water pours from the ceiling.
ALSO READ: Teenager shot with rubber bullets at Waterfall mall
“We are presently assessing the damage and further details will be communicated regarding the timelines once we have ascertained the lead time on the repair work,” read the statement.
The Pavilion Shopping Centre will also remain closed until further notice.
“There are various videos circulating stating to be The Pavilion Shopping Centre, this is not true. The centre is safe with our security team on high alert together with SAPS,” said the mall’s centre management.
Westville Mall, Watercrest Mall and Hillcrest Corner will remain closed today.
Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
