Surviving the civil unrest: Communities band together to pick up the pieces

SEVERAL businesses and shops were looted and set alight at the beginning of last week in and around ward 64.

Among the most damaged stores were Montclair Mall, Shoprite Montclair, Woodlands Liquor Store, Montclair Animal Hospital and Multisave Supermarket. Local roads were also blockaded with burning tyres and rubble by protestors.

In response to the unrest, ward 64 councillor Gavin Hegter, called a meeting with Montclair SAPS’s station commander and various stakeholders who were determined to protect the community.

“We had a very positive meeting and we all came together to make decisions to set up entry points into Montclair and Yellowwood Park and man them. No vigilantism. It was just to monitor people coming in and out of the area. Any persons suspected to be looters were turned back. They also weren’t allowed to bring their stolen goods into the area,” he said.

Hegter urged residents to keep calm and refrain from sharing false information and sensational images. He also expressed how he was proud to see how the community joined forces to calm the storm. “The unity I saw on Tuesday after Monday’s looting incidents leaves me at a loss for words. I can’t believe how our community has come together. It’s amazing. I am so proud to represent this entire ward.”

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