Watch: Brookside Mall in PMB on fire- protestors looting as fire blazes
The Brookside Mall in Pietermaritzburg is on fire on Monday morning while the so-called Zuma supporters continue looting.
PROTESTORS CAN BE SEEN FLEEING THE MALL WITH STOLEN GOODS
In videos being shared on Twitter, protesters can be seen running away from the mall with stolen goods on trolleys and on bakkies. This is despite big clouds of smoke seen rising from the mall.
According to a reporter on the scene, gunshots can be heard in the vicinity of the mall.
The highways leading to Pietermaritzburg are closed for now.
Police could not yet provide any information as yet.
According to Mpumalanga Broadcasting TV a fireman who was at the scene attending to the fire at the Brookside Mall said on Monday morning that while firefighters battled the blaze, people were emptying the shelves.
Meanwhile, violent rioters, believed to be supporters of former president Jacob Zuma burned and looted shops and businesses and blocked roads in widespread riots across Durban on Sunday evening.
Dozens of videos and photographs of the riots were circulated widely on social media as thousands of angry people took to the streets, torching businesses and vehicles.
ALSO READ: Durban riots latest: Watch violent, angry mobs loot, burn shops
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the ongoing sporadic protests in the country, saying they are endangering lives and damaging efforts to rebuild the economy.
In several parts of the country key infrastructure like national roads have been affected, slowing down the transportation of goods and services that keep our economy running. Property has been destroyed. Cars have been stoned. People have been intimidated and threatened, and some have even been hurt.
While addressing this issue of ‘great national importance’ Ramaphosa said these acts must be condemned by all South Africans at all costs.
“Our Constitution guarantees everyone’s right to freely express themselves and to engage in peaceful protest. While there are those who may be hurt and angry at this moment, there can never be any justification for such violent, destructive and disruptive actions,” he said.
He added that it is a matter of concern to all South Africans that some of these acts of violence are based on ethnic mobilisation.
“Let us be clear, as a nation, that we will not tolerate acts of criminality. Those who are involved in acts of violence will be arrested and prosecuted. Those found guilty of breaking the lockdown regulations will receive the stipulated penalty. This will be done without fear or favour. We also condemn attempts to create confusion by sharing false images and videos, often from events that took place many years ago.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa
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