WATCH | Cornubia tuck shop looted amid unrest following June 30 protests
A tuck shop in the Cornubia Housing area of Verulam was left ransacked after a large group of people allegedly stormed the business and looted stock and valuables, in the latest incident to fuel fears of unrest following Tuesday’s anti-immigration protests.
The alleged looting comes after thousands of demonstrators marched through parts of Durban on Tuesday, calling for stronger action against undocumented immigrants.
While many of the protests remained peaceful, authorities warned that criminal elements could exploit the heightened tensions, with police and private security on high alert across parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the KZN VIP Group, the tuck shop was looted after a large group of individuals allegedly forced their way into the business.
“Multiple community members forcibly entered the business premises and looted an undisclosed amount of stock and valuables before fleeing the scene,” the security company said.
It added that the full extent of the losses and damage had not yet been established.
Police and emergency personnel responded to the incident as investigations got under way.
“SAPS, together with private security companies and other emergency stakeholders, are currently on the scene while investigations into the incident remain under way. The area continues to be closely monitored,” the organisation said.
The KZN VIP Group warned that incidents of looting and lawlessness have severe consequences for business owners and residents, urging members of the public not to participate in criminal activity.
It also appealed to anyone with information that could assist investigators to come forward as law enforcement agencies continue to monitor the area.
IOL has reached out to police for comment.
Kyle van Reenen of Excellerate Security said by Wednesday morning there were no further protest action, crowd gatherings, or road blockages have been observed.
He said throughout Tuesday, law enforcement officials and the private security industry responded swiftly to a number of isolated breakaway incidents.
“These included protest activity in the Chatsworth, Phoenix, and Inanda areas, as well as isolated incidents of looting involving small spaza shops. A further incident was reported at a store within the Cornubia Housing Area, where authorities responded promptly and the situation was brought under control.
“We commend police, law enforcement agencies, and the private security industry for their coordinated response in maintaining public safety,” he said.
IOL
