North Coast shops and centres remain closed for fear of looting

North Coast shops and centres said that they will remain closed today in fear of looting.

Many are saying that without the army in the area to ensure the safety of trading, as well as a severe lack of staff to run checkout points, trading is simply impossible at the moment.

Today marks day 7 since violent protest action, looting and rioting started on the North Coast and other parts of the province.

And while a number of access points between Zimbali and Salt Rock remain well guarded by local volunteers, security and Saps, this was not enough to encourage management of shops to open.

New Salt Rock estate manager, Theo van As said that until the military were able to ensure the safety of locals, staff and infrastructure they felt it would not be safe to open.

He called on the army to protect the area, and added that many of his staff were unable to come to work as a result of intimidation.

At the moment, only ATMs and a water shop at the New Salt Rock shopping centre are open.

Nicky Vorster, centre management at Tiffany’s confirmed that they too would remain closed, owing to the fear that shoppers would not be safe.

Spokesperson for Ballito Lifestyle Centre, Tessa Woodley said the centre would also remain closed, including Dischem.

The closure of Dischem is a national directive following the local store’s initial decision to open for prescription and chronic medication only.

“Due to ongoing violent protests and looting in KZN, Ballito Junction remains closed on July 14,” centre management confirmed at the last of the area’s shopping centres.

It was added that while they continue to monitor and assess the situation, the safety of tenants, customers, staff and the community outweighed all other priorities.

Some shops did open briefly to allow residents to buy up to 10 essentials.