‘They have destroyed my entire life’ – says looted Pinetown shop owner

The looting and vandalism at one of the oldest shops in New Germany, Pinetown has caused a deep scar for the owners.

Pop In was among the many shops which were left empty following the violent protests in KwaZulu-Natal.

Trying to pick up the pieces with the help of community members on Thursday, owner, Peter Gavriel said he was uncertain if he had the energy to start again from scratch.

Across the province, residents united at clean ups, in places which were affected by the vandalism, to restore their areas.

The shop, situated on Qashana Khuzwayo Road, which has been operating for the past 50 years, already had its fair share of issues which had set them back, prior to the looting.

“First it was the roadworks, then the fire which forced us to shut down for a couple of months. We were also knocked badly by Covid-19 and now this. It is just too much, they have destroyed my entire life,” said a disheartened Gavriel.

The discouraged shop owner said he received a call from security guards informing him that there were thousands of people approaching the New Germany CBD.

“I also received a call in the middle of the night saying they are pulling the shop’s gate. We tried contacting the security company but the situation was just spiralling out of control.

What upset Gavriel more was the damage done to his shop, “If they were hungry they could have taken food maybe then I would understand, but my infrastructure has been destroyed. The damage is just too extensive and mess they caused is just unbelievable.”

“I do not wish this on anyone. If people who have done this are among my customers, I want to say I am truly disappointed in them.

“How can they do this to me? I never expected the community I have served with dedication and loyalty for years to destroy me. Yes, we have had robberies, but nothing comes close to this and nothing could ever have prepared me for this,” he said.

A New Germany resident, Ndumiso Ndlela said he was just lost for words.

“New Germany is filled with private businesses and almost every shop has been vandalised. ATMs were bombed, we have no pharmacy, no stores, nothing,” he said.

Ndlela who has resided in the area for the past 25 years said he truly felt saddened by what has been done to Gavriel and his family.

“Peter is a nice man who always goes over and beyond to help out in the community. He has served the community with honour.”