Durban butchery fire: 1 arrested for looting

While initial reports suggested there was no foul play suspected in yesterday morning’s fire at a Durban butchery, Metro Police spokesman, Parboo Sewpersad has since confirmed a group of people threw inflammable liquid into a foreign-owned shop.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesman, Brigadier Jay Naicker said a group of about 30 people gathered at King DiniZulu Park this morning with the intention to march to City Hall to hand over a memorandum.

Police however informed them that they would not be allowed to march as gatherings of large groups are not prohibited under adjusted Level 3.

Two weeks ago, police also arrested a group of marchers in Durban for an unapproved protest.

“While this was happening, another group converged in the city and began looting shops. Reports were received of two shops as well as a stall belonging to a street vendor that were set alight. Police officers from Durban Central and Metro police responded,” said Naicker.

“They pursed the group and one suspect was arrested. He attempted to stab police officers during the arrest but was quickly subdued without any injury to any of the arresting officers. Some stolen items were recovered from the arrested suspects. An operation is still ongoing to identify and arrest the other perpetrators.”

Naicker said a case of public violence has been opened for further investigation and the arrested suspect will also be charged with attempted murder.

Sewpersad confirmed one person has been arrested and that more arrests are expected to follow.