‘Looting won’t be tolerated’: WC criminality condemned by security minister

After several incidents of looting in Western Cape, Minister of Community Safety Albert Fritz has said that regardless of the financial challenges facing millions of South Africans, criminality cannot be tolerated.

He condemned the recent stoning of trucks on Robert Sobukwe Drive outside of Cape Town, when food parcels were looted, as well as several other instances of criminality where retailers and liquor storers have been raided as poorer communities become increasingly desperate. 

Two trucks were looted on Monday, with one delivering critical food supplies to major retailer – Checkers – and another truck carrying food parcels intended for the country’s most vulnerable. 

“I condemn the reported stoning of a truck and theft of the food it was transporting along Robert Sobukwe near the N2,” he said, adding that a case had been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS) who arrested four suspects after the incident. 

‘Struggle to put food on the table’

Fritz said that despite the immense challenge facing all of humanity at the moment, we can not allow ourselves to dissolve into criminal madness. He added that as far as possible, law enforcement agencies be on hand to help – not antagonise – those in need

“At present, we find ourselves facing a humanitarian crisis because of the lockdown and the economic challenges that follow are only going to exacerbate these challenges further. It is a struggle for many to put food on the table,” he said. 

“This is a very big concern for us and our government has taken many steps to assist as much as we can.”

“However, I must be clear, acts of criminality will not be tolerated. We urge all our residents to abide by the law at all times. I am engaging with Cabinet on the urgent solutions to address the spate of lootings.” 

Report rule-breakers  

Fritz said that any foul-play should be reported to authorities, who have been instructed to have a zero-tolerance policy towards law-breakers.

“Looting and malicious damage to property will not be tolerated. I urge all residents to abide by the law and I call on anyone with information which could assist SAPS in their investigation to immediately come forward and report such.”