As families in Tongaat, KZN, try to salvage what was left of their homes after Monday’s devastating tornado, opportunist thieves are also lurking around.

According to Reaction Unit South Africa’s Prem Balram, residents of Sandfields and Fairbreeze have reported incidences of drug addicts entering damaged homes and stealing salvageable items. Many homes were left vacant after families were forced to seek alternative shelter.

“Areas affected by the tornado are experiencing power outages and thieves are using the darkness at night to gain entry to homes,” says Balram.

He adds a Sandfields grandmother who is trying to rebuild her home now has her grandsons sleeping outside during the night to keep guard and protect what is left of their household items.

Tongaat residents have used social media platforms to alert citizens of the ongoing theft.

“People are hospitalised and there are people busy stealing and taking household items illegally,” reads a Facebook post by Sizwe Nzuza.

Meanwhile, affected community members are placed in shelters as efforts to help displaced families continue. Numerous relief fundraising initiatives have been launched, details of which can be found at here.