A MAN (45) died during a stampede in Mariannhill as crowds of people helped themselves to alcohol that was dumped outside a liquor outlet in Wiltshire Road, last night (Monday, August 9).

KZN police spokesperson, Col Thembeka Mbele said the expired liquor was placed outside to be disposed.

“The community noticed the liquor and stormed the premises. Public Order Police together with local police dispersed the crowd after they became uncontrollable. During the stampede, a 45-year-old man died at the scene,” said Mbele.

Earlier reports from Mariannhill SAPS debunked reports of a looting incident, claiming it was an attempted robbery. A video of a crowd of people trying to gain entry into the building surfaced on social media causing panic of another looting incident. 

According to Mariannhill SAPS communications officer, Capt Marcelino Harold, the suspects were attempting to steal liquor which was to be destroyed in the premises.

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“It was no looting. Police and SAPS Public Order Police Unit were on scene. No one was arrested,” he said.

DA PR councillor for ward 13, Marlaine Nair said she was glad that police acted quickly to bring the situation under control.

“This criminal behaviour is unacceptable. As it stands thousands of residents have become unemployed as a direct result of the recent looting.

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“If this continues, many more businesses will close their doors, leaving more people unemployed. It is not fair that innocent people have to face the consequences of the actions of a few criminals,” she said.

Nair urged those with any information of any planned criminal activity of this sort to contact authorities and alert them. The public can call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.