Looting has been reported in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and in the Durban CBD despite questions being raised of whether the National Shutdown is real or not.
On Thursday, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS)said it is aware of the unsigned posters and messages which have been circulating on social media platforms calling for a National Shutdown and that police are on high alert due to the threats.
“Those behind these messages are warned and reminded that prohibiting people’s freedom of movement is a criminal offence. Members of the public are therefore cautioned against spreading such messages that seek to mobilise communities to respond to the shutdown.
“The respective Provjoints have been directed to ensure multidisciplinary deployments and that the necessary contingency plans are in place. The Natjoints assures members of the public that enforcement of the law will be executed within relevant prescripts to ensure stability in the country,” Natjoints said.
A video emerged on Friday early in the morning showing scores of people in the Durban central business district (CBD) looting shops amid fears of the National Shutdown taking place. A number of organisations have distanced themselves from the shutdown and unions have issued contradictory statements with regards to the shutdown.
Some people have questioned whether the shutdown is actually real or just a social media activism, seeing that the hashtag was trending for days. Despite the National Shutdown not being confirmed as legit, shops in the Durban CBD have been reportedly looted. The Junction Mall in Hammarsdale was also under threat of being looted.
Source: The South African, IOL, image from IOL: Twitter/Sihle Mavuso