WATCH: Looters target Clairwood businesses amid ongoing protest action
Clairwood’s ward 32 PR councillor, Sharmaine Sewshanker said she was appalled by the magnitude of the civil unrest that has unfolded in the city.
SCENES from Monday morning, July 12, portray civil unrest in and around Durban.
Some of the most shocking scenes include the looting of several Clairwood businesses along South Coast Road by civilians, who are seen on video footage grabbing anything within their reach.
Clairwood’s ward 32 PR councillor Sharmaine Sewshanker, said she was appalled by the magnitude of the civil unrest that has unfolded in the city. “For a city like eThekwini Municipality to be turned into a free for all destruction of property and looting spree can only be categorised as acts of criminality. It’s an indictment of our constituency. We cannot allow these perpetrators to reign terror on the lives of innocent people. The looting and burning of businesses must be condemned on all levels. People have the right to protest but peacefully. We urge the residents to please remain calm and vigilant at all times and stay at home. May God keep us all safe.”
According to Sewshanker police did arrive on the scene but were outnumbered and under-resourced. Local security companies continue to patrol the area.
Like something out of an apocalypse movie scene, KZN has been subject to violent protest action throughout the weekend. There have been violent protests throughout the province, with cars being stoned, vehicles being torched, tyres being burned on the ground and shops being looted.
Traffic reports indicate that the N3, both towards Durban and Johannesburg, is completely closed due to Sunday’s night violent protests action. Several other roads are closed or obstructed in and around Durban According to Sifiso Shangase, South African National Taxi Association Provincial Spokesperson public transport operations were suspended for Monday. eThekwini Municipality also released a statement confirming the suspension of its bus services on Monday.
It is alleged that the protests were sparked by the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma but the South African Police Service (SAPS) suspects that criminal opportunism has taken over the protests.
Montclair Police communications officer, Captain Derek Vijiam confirmed that police have been sent out to main roads, including South Coast Road, to control the situation. Metro Police was not available for comment by the time of going to print.
Shopping centres and other public facilities remain closed throughout the Durban South region.
WATCH: Clairwood stores looted amidst violent Durban protests
