NEWCASTLE KZN: Latest protest/looting updates from Newcastle and surrounds

Residents are urged to stay indoors and safe as volunteers, security teams, SAPS and other stakeholders prepare for further riots.

Regional investigative journalist for Northern KZN, Estella Naicker has been on the ground since this morning to ascertain the situation in Newcastle and surrounding areas.

Here is what she has reported today:

Residents have begun asking where to go to buy staples like bread and milk. Spar at Newcastle Corner was open, and planned to close at 12 noon. Queues were incredibly long.
Most of the little shops in some suburbs were open and trading. Reports indicate queues there were not too bad and there was stock.
In the CBD, filling station forecourts were in chaos. People were trying to fill up while there was still fuel available.
Meanwhile, residents were queueing as far as Trim Park, hoping to get into Spar. These residents were turned away owing to the store closing at noon. Police drove past, headed for Spar to help disperse the people who were there.
At a local pharmacy, a small queue formed as residents sought to get their medication and other essentials.
At the filling stations, cars were blocking the road to get in.
Members of the community were spotted stationed at strategic points to monitor for suspicious activity.
These members said they were fearful of the malls being vulnerable to attack.
En route to KwaMathukuza, she noted the Madadeni Road was littered with rubble – “It’s awful here… It’s chaos. I keep hearing explosions.”
A confidential source indicated that residents should stay away from conflict and stay safe.
Reports have come in that about 150 ‘protestors’ emptied out a bottle store in Ncandu Park in the early hours of this morning (July 13):

“Witnesses estimate that between 120 and 150 looters broke into the building after tying up the guard. They emptied the premises of all the liquor, cigarettes, tools… Basically everything they could get their hands on.”