Howick residents mobilise to protect their town

A large number of community members guarded St John’s Village and Greendale Spar. Patrolling in the CBD was also done by community members assisting SAPS.

Rob Askew, who is admin for the community crime prevention and justice advocacy group that were monitoring the situation last night, said suspicious vehicles and people were checked out on both St John’s and Greendale. “This, however, has not been a deterrent,” said Askew.

The Howick bridge on Main Road was also heavily guarded by community members. This continues today with community members saying they’ll protect their shops from looters.

In Howick West, men from different streets have gathered outside to ensure that no protest action takes place in their area. All this was discussed on community groups. “We are outside to ensure safety and protection for our neighbourood,” said one community member.

He added that they stopped a bakkie that was full of looted food and some occupants ran. “Those who were caught were handed over to authorities,” he said, adding that late at night they saw four young boys pushing a Spar trolley full of food. “These boys were also part of the looting at Merrivale Spar.”

Community members in Howick and surroundings said even though it seems quiet on the street, they’ll continue to protect the area until members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) arrive.

At this moment members, of the SANDF have not been deployed to Howick.

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