Protea South residents call for calm after foreign-owned shops are attacked
It is alleged that a group of young people, believed to be between the ages of 14 and 20, are behind the looting.
Foreign-owned businesses in Protea South have been vandalised and looted.
The businesses were attacked during the early hours of June 30, at around 07:30.
According to information received from community members, a group of young people believed to be between the ages of 14 and 20, wearing balaclavas, were seen during the incident.
Community members said they tried to intervene, but the group allegedly told them that their actions were aimed at foreigners and not black South Africans.
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The owner of one of the affected shops, Kamil Nuriye Keder, said the looters took all of his stock, leaving him with significant losses.
“After what happened, I don’t think I will ever come back to sell here. I have lost a lot during this looting, and I now fear for my life because the people who did this are very violent,” he said.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is monitoring the situation at the scene.
Community member Ish Milanzi told Urban News that what is being done in the shops is a sign of disrespect and is frustrating.
He said it was made clear that the day should be about peaceful marches and that no violence or looting should take place.
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He added that he struggles to understand why some people are engaging in such acts.
“This is misbehaviour. What these people are doing is embarrassing and disappointing.
“We never expected to see something like this happening in our community. If they continue with these actions, we will ensure that they are dealt with lawfully,” said Milanzi.
