People carry goods as they loot from Cambridge Foods in Vosloorus in Ekurhuleni, 12 July 2021. Several shops are damaged and cars burnt in Johannesburg and surrounding areas following a night of violence. It is unclear if the looting is linked to sporadic protests following the incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma. Picture: Michel Bega
One of our readers, Michael S, got it 100% correct yesterday when he sent us the message: “Once you throw a rock at someone, break a window or steal, you are no longer a protester. You are a criminal.”
The ugly scenes captured by citizens throughout KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Mpumalanga, where looting, violence and destruction of property is being displayed with no fear of any repercussion, marks a sad few days for our country since it started under the banner of Zuma protests on Friday.
It comes in the aftermath of former president Jacob Zuma being jailed earlier this month for contempt of court for refusing an order to attend the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.
These protests, however, go far beyond a pushback to free the former president. It is blatant looting, vandalism, criminality and opportunism. And it needs to be stopped immediately before many lives are lost and businesses are destroyed.
The damage to our country’s image and economy will be felt for a very long time. We now not only have to deal with facing the rising Covid infections, but also fears for our safety.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “While there are those who may be hurt and angry at this moment, there can never be any justification for such violent, destructive and disruptive actions.
“Let us be clear, as a nation, that we will not tolerate acts of criminality. Those who are involved in acts of violence will be arrested and prosecuted.”
Mr President, we can only hope you back up these words.
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