THE national shutdown over fuel hikes started on a bad note in some parts of Durban, KZN.
This because some residents woke up at the crack of dawn and attempted to loot shops and stalls within the CBD.
But as cops were alert and ready for any possible looting and crime, they acted fast. They had to fire tear gas and stun grenades during the attempt.
In another incident in Hammarsdale, residents also stormed nearby shops, but cops dispersed the crowd.
There were no indications early on Friday that the looting was widespread. Indications were that attempts at the few shops and stalls were carried out by opportunists and possibly not related to the shutdown.
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The situation was calm in Durban and many taxis and buses were operating as normal.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures (NatJOINTS) said on Thursday, 9 June, that it was aware of the situation and had put measures in place to prevent any form of criminality.
KZN cops spokeswoman Constable Thenjiwe Ngcobo said in the early hours of the morning, a group of people gathered at Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme and started making noise.
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She added that the public order police was called as the crowd started throwing bricks at the business premises.
“No looting took place as the crowd was dispersed immediately,” said Ngcobo, adding that another group in
Hammarsdale attempted to loot, but was stopped by cops patrolling in the township.
