The KwaZulu-Natal floods have been a devastating disaster, destroying many homes and leaving hundreds dead. And now to make matters worse, looting has begun in Umlazi, Durban.
Some stolen goods could be recovered
On Wednesday night 13 April, 12 people were arrested in Umlazi for looting. According to police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Nquobile Gwala, the group broke into two businesses around 21:00 in Umlazi H and J Sections.
Mainly groceries and appliances were stolen from the stores.
“Police swiftly responded at both premises and arrested a total of 12 suspects. They were arrested for charges of burglary and possession of stolen property,” Gwala commented.
Some of the stolen items were recovered and handed back to the stores. And police also managed to recover the suspects’ vehicle that was allegedly used during the looting.
The 12 looting suspects are set to appear in the Umlazi Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 14 April.
Law enforcement on high alert to prevent further looting
It was further reported that Premier Sihle Zikalala said that the provincial cabinet already received reports of looting on Tuesday, 12 April. And according to the reports, the containers that washed onto the N2 from the Umlazi River would be the target.
“We will not allow what is a tragic development in our province to be taken advantage of by criminals.”
Zikalala said.
Since then there has been extra law enforcement deployed to those areas in an attempt to prevent any further looting.
“Law enforcement agencies have been deployed and we call on all law enforcement agencies to ensure that all property is protected from criminality, and that law and order is maintained during this period.”