Ward councillors condemn Joburg East looting and violence
Joburg East communities were at the receiving end of destruction this past week.
September 2 and the few days that followed are bound to go down as some of the darkest days in recent South African history, not least in the communities of Malvern, Cleveland, Denver, Jeppestown and surrounds, where the chaos of looting and public violence was rife during the past week.
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The scale of the destruction was widespread across these areas.
Joburg East councillors criticised those responsible for the outbreak of violence.
Ward 118 Clr Neuren Pietersen noted that the destruction in Jules Street, in particular, appeared to have been so severe that some of the businesses in the area may never recover.
Wards 61 and 62 PR Clr Bongani Nkwanyana said he noticed the signs of a mass violent outbreak on Sunday, September 1.
Both councillors expressed their sympathy for the residents and victims of looting, damage to property and violence.
“This will deprive residents of many conveniences and job opportunities.
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“With looting there are no winners. The spoils of theft are easily lost and never truly enjoyed. The loss to communities is immeasurable,” said Pietersen.
“I implore residents to refrain from getting caught up in looting. Know that you are not missing out on an ‘opportunity’, as the food taken from those shops will be bitter and not sit well.”
Nkwanyana said the events, at first glance, seemed to have the characteristics of a xenophobic attack, but that it could not immediately be confirmed.
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“Initially, it looked like it could have been xenophobic attacks. But looking at the way things unfolded, it became clear that it was not only attacks on people taking place, but also widespread looting, including the burning of shops and cars,” said Nkwanyana.
“A criminal element swooped into the areas, at times masked behind the idea that this was an apparent wave of attacks on foreign nationals.”
At the time of publication, Pietersen said he had observed that relative calm had been restored in his ward.
In addition, he warned that the actions of criminals during this time would have long-lasting repercussions.
“Police presence is high and effective in quelling sporadic incidents. They are making arrests, so not only will these acts weigh heavy on the conscience of the perpetrators, but they will also damage the perpetrators’ criminal record, which will further limit their future,” said Pietersen.
“Since the Minister of Police General Bheki Cele’s engagement with Izinduna (traditional leaders) at Denver and Jeppe hostels, and surrounds, we have noticed that the unrest has died down, which hopefully will be the end to this violence,” Nkwanyana said.
