Tensions are high in KwaZulu-Natal following last week’s general elections, with business owners beefing up security for their enterprises.
The owners of shops and various filling stations ramped up security in anticipation of riots similar to the deadly July 2021 riots.
Businessman Falakhe Mthalane runs a filling station in the township of Umlazi. Since the announcement of the election results, he has hired additional security personnel. He resorted to this in order to safeguard his two businesses.
Apart from the filling station, Mthalane also owns a clothing boutique operating in the KwaMnyandu shopping mall. It is also based in Umlazi.
Can’t rely on police protection only
“We cannot trust the police and rest on our laurels. I have acquired additional private security for my two businesses. This is because I don’t want to suffer like the last time during the July 2021 looting. My filling station and shop were vandalised and everything was looted,” said Mthalane.
He pointed out that, unlike other small businesses, he was able to bounce back because all his businesses were insured.
“Many small businesses couldn’t recover after the looting. I was lucky because I had insurance that met me halfway,” he said.
Reuben Ramlal, a business owner who runs a chain of wholesalers in Phoenix, also took measures. He explained that he had to strengthen security out of fear of being looted.
“By Sunday already, the word was out that people were preparing to loot shops. There were attempts to loot at the Midway crossing. But police and private security guards responded quickly,” he said.
“I have since decided to add more guards to protect my wholesalers because during the July unrest I suffered heavily. Out of the four wholesalers I had, I remained with two because I couldn’t resuscitate. They were torched to the ground,” said Ramlal.
Intelligence warned of possible unrest by MK Party supporters
A confidential intelligence report seen by Sunday World also warned of nationwide unrest led by MK Party supporters. The report was authored by major-general Phumelele Makoba, KwaZulu-Natal deputy commissioner of policing. It provides insight into possible clashes between political parties.
“Information received indicates a possible nationwide uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party protest action. It is anticipated to take place during the months of May and June 2024,” said the report.
The report also explains that there was also a high risk of intimidation and malicious damage to property. Also arson, barricades of roads, looting and blocking of trucks, among others.
“[Possibility of] clashes between members/supporters of MK Party, opposing parties and other authorities is high should demonstrations take place,” reads the report in part.
In July 2021 people went on a rampage looting and destroying shops nationwide. There was also targeted sabotage on critical infrastructure. These included power lines and the vandalisation of ATMs, where millions of rands were reportedly stolen.
Fears of repeat of deadly 2021 unrests
More than 300 people lost their lives in running battles between vigilante groupings. These groups masqueraded as people protecting their property from being looted. In Phoenix, a predominantly Indian township in Durban, things got worse. The looting turned into a deadly racial war between Indians and Africans. This resulted in scores of people being shot and some beaten to death. Most victims were seen passing through the area. Others who were killed had been coming from work.
On Wednesday, national police commissioner general Fannie Masemola confirmed the situation. He announced that they were adding more boots on the ground to mitigate against any possible unrest or post-election violence in the province. During the elections, more than 17,000 police were dispatched to KwaZulu-Natal to monitor the elections.
