Kenville businesses targeted, looted in protests
The Kenville/Sea Cow Lake Community Ratepayers Association said it was clear that criminal elements were using the protests to destroy and loot businesses.
A LIQUOR store and a furniture warehouse were among two shops targeted and looted by protesters on Saturday in the Kenville area.
Since Friday various forms of protest action have taken place on major roads in and around the province with some calling a shutdown of KZN in support of former president Jacob Zuma who is currently incarcerated at the Estcourt Correctional Facility.
Businesses and the road freight industry have also been targeted by looters as protest action intensified.
Read also: SAPS arrest 27 across province in connection with #KZNShutdown protests
Vice chairman of the Kenville/Sea Cow Lake Community Ratepayers Association, Anil Beekrum said it was clear that criminal elements were using the protests to destroy and loot businesses.
“On Saturday, a furniture warehouse was looted and set on fire on the corner of Crown and Smithfield Road. Protesters also targeted a liquor store on Temple Road and raided a service station shop in Springfield Park. We are concerned these incidents will continue to happen unless something drastic is done.
“We are trying our hardest to keep the community safe but this widespread looting is disgraceful. My heart goes out to the businesses affected by this wanton destruction. I am disappointed in the response of law enforcement who we have reported the incidents to. It often feels like the Kenville/Sea Cow Lake areas are forgotten suburbs,” he said.
Related story: ‘Criminals will be met with full might of the law’ – Ramaphosa on KZN protests
Metro Police spokesperson, senior superintendent Parboo Sewpersad, said they had responded to 120 incidents of protest action, looting and arson in the Durban area since Friday.
“There has been a noticeable increase in the escalation in violence of the protests across Durban and the province since Friday. Our Public Order Police unit has been assisting the SAPS in response to various incidents including the looting of a furniture warehouse in Kenville. We were also called to the China Mall on Inanda Road which was also targeted. At this stage we are urging motorists to be alert and keep emergency numbers on hand to report any protest action. We will take action where necessary and law and order will prevail,” he said.
In KZN police have now arrested 37 people so far on charges ranging from arson to public violence, business burglary and malicious damage to property.
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