10 people confirmed dead during Ndofaya Mall looting in Meadowlands
Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko revealed that six of the ten bodies were found in one shop. The province’s death toll during the looting sprees has now climbed to 19.
At least ten people have lost their lives in a stampede at the Ndofaya Mall in Meadowlands on Monday night.
The tragic news was confirmed by Gauteng Premier David Makhura on Tuesday while addressing media at the looted shopping centre.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, alarming videos showing what appeared to be several lifeless bodies alleged to have died at the Ndofaya Mall during a looting spree made rounds on social media, prompting the Premier’s rush to assess the situation.
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While details surrounding the passing of the ten people remain sketchy, it is understood that they fell victims to a stampede during the looting. Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko revealed that six of the ten bodies were found in one shop. The province’s death toll during the looting sprees has now climbed to 19.
Makhura acknowledged that the situation in Gauteng has not yet been managed.
“At the moment the situation is not under control. As long looting continues I cannot say that the situation is under control,” he said.
Law enforcement officials have had their hands full as almost all the township’s major shopping centres suffered attacks. Between Sunday night and Tuesday afternoon Protea Glen Mall, Diepkloof Square and Jabulani Mall were all ransacked by looters.
Makhura also explained the devastating impact of looting on the local economy.
“When shops close down when factories close down its people who work in these shops [that lose jobs]. When those businesses are not operating, it affects the lives of people here,” he said.
The premier also called on leaders to step up and engage communities.
“We are dispatching leaders to the various communities where looting is taking place to speak to these communities and say that looting is not the solution,” concluded Makhura.
SANDF members have also been stationed at several of Soweto’s shopping centres to guard against more potential attacks.
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