ALSO READ: WATCH: Mass looting across KwaDukuza and Mandeni
READ: SANDF deployed to KZN and Gauteng in wake of violent riots
READ: North Coast residents rally to support tired Saps and security officers
NOTE: Updates will continue to be added to the story as the situation continues to unfold – stay with us for more
ORIGINAL STORY:
Large-scale looting across KwaZulu-Natal has today seen a number of businesses set alight across the province as rioters storm areas of business and continue to block key roadways.
The Brookside Mall in Pietermaritzburg is on fire, and closer to home, uShaka Mall in KwaDukuza, and Cornubia Makro are under siege.
Brookside Mall PMB on fire @Abramjee @TrafficSA pic.twitter.com/a820xzOyp3
— Dawood (@KingDee786) July 12, 2021
It is understood that wide-scale looting and rioting is taking place around the areas of Umhlanga and Durban as well.
On the North Coast shopping centres between Ballito and Salt Rock will be closed for the day.
These include Ballito Lifestyle Centre, Ballito Junction, Tiffany’s and the New Salt Rock shopping centre.
“In light of the current protest action and escalating unrest in and around KwaZulu-Natal, we advise all customers that Ballito Junction will be closed for trade on Monday, 12 July 2021.
“Whilst we continue to assess the situation and keep you updated, the safety of our tenants, customers and staff remains a priority. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please keep safe during these difficult times,” – reported Ballito Junction.
Reports from other centres on the North Coast included much of the same messages.
North Coast security companies and police are working hand-in-hand and continue to monitor the situation at a number of access points along the N2.
It understood that rioters have been contained in Shaka’s Head.
Rioters had earlier gathered at the N2 overpass near Tiffany’s shopping centre, according to New Salt Rock shopping centre estate manager, Theo van As.
It is advised that motorists seek an alternative route should they need to travel – alternatively, authorities urge that people avoid dangerous areas entirely.
In Shakaskraal, reports are coming in of further looting and rioting, with footage supplied of this morning’s chaos by residents in the area.
Further north at Umvoti Toll, reports have just surfaced that the airfield opposite the highway is under siege and that hangers have been set alight.
Meanwhile, minister of defence, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said on Saturday that the military would not be deployed to deal with sporadic violence and protests.
Although Mapisa-Nqakula condemned the violence across the province, said the matter should be dealt with by the police and was not the duty of the SANDF.
Correction: Gateway Shopping Centre is not under attack.
