By Sihle Mavuso
The police kicked off the day by swiftly moving in and arresting five suspects who attempted to loot a spaza shop believed to be owned by a foreign national in Hammarsdale in Durban in the early hours of Tuesday.
The swift action came after the leader of the March and March Movement was asked to be firm and act against those who would attempt or cause violence.
Spokesperson of the police in KwaZulu-Natal, Lt Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said one of the looters was caught inside the spaza shop.
“One suspect was arrested inside the tuck shop, whereas the four were cornered and arrested as they attempted to flee. The suspects, aged between 14 and 27 years old, will be charged for malicious damage to property and business burglary. They are still being processed and will appear in court soon.
Police in KwaZulu-Natal are urging residents who will embark on marches to refrain from acts of violence, criminal activities, and intimidation.
“As police take to the streets to safeguard the marches, they will be enforcing the law, and no lawlessness will be tolerated,” he said.
Meanwhile, it was not business as usual in some parts of Durban early on Tuesday despite claims by the government that it was a “normal working day”.
It appears that some people are playing it safe by staying at home until they are guaranteed that they are safe to move around and conduct their daily chores.
One worker who was travelling from KwaMashu to Verulam said the foot traffic is not what he is used to every morning when he goes to work.
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“Although the trains and taxis are available, there are not many people to be transported; people stayed at home,” the worker, who asked not to be named, said.
On the protest march front, by 9 am, the protestors were still trying to make their way from various Durban townships to King Dinuzulu Park, where the main march would start and later proceed to the notorious Point Area.
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