A group of approximately 50 people looted a shop in Durban's Central Business District (CBD) on Friday afternoon, according to CCTV footage released by the shop owner. The footage recorded the incident at 4:10 PM, showing several people running away with goods including two-plate stoves, heaters, lights, a computer screen, a speed point, and coins. The looting occurred after police warned businesses to close as protesters marched through the city centre.
Around 3 PM on Friday, police drove around Durban's CBD, warning businesses to close their shops as a group of people started marching along Bertha Mkhize Street and Grey Street. The protesters were demonstrating against illegal immigration, but their actions turned violent as they targeted businesses in the area. The shop owner released a three-minute video from the CCTV footage, showing the events unfolding inside and outside the shop.
One of the shop staff was seen standing outside before the looting, pleading with protesters not to enter the shop. However, he moved away after being threatened with sticks by the protesters. The footage then shows the protesters entering the shop and finding only coins near the till, with no banknotes visible. The people in the footage can be heard shouting, "There is no money here; they took it."
The looters targeted the till area, with two people struggling over the cash register, while another person took the speed point and others grabbed computer screens, baskets, small lights, a two-plate stove, and other items. A man in a blue shirt was seen shouting "Police! Police! Police!" as he directed the crowd out of the shop. The protesters' actions were captured on camera, providing evidence of the looting.
The incident highlights the violence and destruction that can occur during protests, even those with legitimate concerns such as anti-illegal immigration demonstrations. The police warnings to businesses to close were likely intended to prevent such incidents, but they were ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the looting.
The release of the CCTV footage by the shop owner provides a clear visual record of the incident, which can be used to identify those involved and potentially lead to their prosecution. The footage also raises questions about the effectiveness of police crowd control measures during protests and the impact on local businesses.
The anti-illegal immigration protest in Durban's CBD is part of a larger national conversation about immigration and border control in South Africa. While the protest was likely intended to raise awareness about the issue, the looting and violence that occurred during the demonstration have overshadowed the original message and raised concerns about public safety and security.
Key points
- Police warned businesses to close as protesters marched through Durban's CBD.
- Approximately 50 people were involved in the looting.
- The incident was captured on CCTV footage released by the shop owner.
