WATCH: North Durban residents step up to protect the community from looters

SEVERAL community members of Durban North, uMhlanga, Greenwood Park, Effingham and other areas have banded together to protect their neighbourhoods from violent protests and looting.

While police have arrested 304 people across KZN for the wanton destruction and looting of businesses and properties, the protection of communities in and around Durban has fallen to CPF members and ordinary citizens.

In north Durban, residents have volunteered to man strategic entry and exit points such as the M4 Ruth First Highway, Rinaldo Road and Blackburn Road in a bid to stop the widespread looting. 

Northglen News spoke to some volunteers who said they felt somebody had to step in as law enforcement agencies were overwhelmed. 

Speaking on arrests made in KZN and Gauteng, police Minister Bheki Cele said of grave concern was the loss of lives that has accompanied the incidents of violence and destruction to property.

“Ten people have been killed in the two provinces. While South Africa’s Constitution guarantees the right of every person to protest, to organise, and to engage in free expression and free association, this should not infringe on the rights of others who may not want to protest.

“No amount of unhappiness or personal circumstances from our people, gives the right to anyone to loot, vandalise and do as they please and break the law. We call on the communities to exercise restraint in dealing with the situation and above all ensure that innocent civilians are not harmed,” he said.

Meanwhile, outlining the province’s plans to deal with the spate of violent protests, Premier Sihle Zikalala said SAPS, together with law-enforcement authorities, will be manning all key economic centres, highways and strategic areas that lead to hospitals, the port of Durban and other national key points.