The body of a person found between rubble in one of the shops that were torched following the N4 service delivery protest in KwaGuqa has not yet been identified.

Vosman Police Captain Elizabeth Mkaudi on Sunday, November 13, issued a press release to say police in this regard are requesting the community to assist in locating the family of the deceased.

“As so far, no one had come to claim the deceased’s body which was discovered in the burnt clothing store,” Mkaudi acknowledged.

It is unknown how the victim burnt, which has been preliminarily identified as a male person.

The clothes that the victim was wearing include brown and blue Scotch trousers, navy blue tekkies, and what looks like yellow socks.

More details emerged on the events leading up to the looting and torching of the shops.

According to the shopping centre manager, Mr Emmanuel Sebopela, it is believed that suspects inside a vehicle forced their way into the complex and headed towards Ackermans store where they crashed the doors open with the said vehicle to gain access.

The manager said the security guards on duty were outnumbered and overpowered when a crowd of people who were allegedly protesting earlier rushed into the complex and started vandalising and looting stores nearby.

Security footage shows crowds of people pushing and breaking Pick n Pay doors before looting items from the store.

The manager said the motive behind setting Ackermans store alight, is still unknown.

The shopping centre has since been closed; however, the manager said some of the least affected stores could be granted permission to start operating as soon as possible.

Mr Sebopela emphasised it was the Ackermans Store that suffered the worst effects, with losses estimated at over R30 million.

Eleven suspects were arrested for public violence on Monday, November 7.

Brigadier Selvy Mohlala assured that investigations are still ongoing on the looting and torching of the shopping complex.

Police have requested the community to assist in locating the family of the deceased.

Any family that might have lost a person lately and has not reported him as missing, is requested to contact Colonel Hellen Masombuka at 082 303 9938.

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