By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala has called on the supporters of former president Jacob Zuma supporters, who on Saturday blocked highways and stoned vehicles, to refrain from violent acts.
While Zikalala acknowledged Zuma’s imprisonment has angered some, he condemned the use of violence during protests.
“We understand the extreme anger of the people who are protesting. As a country and province we find ourselves in a very unusual and unique situation wherein we are dealing with the arrest of a former President of the ANC and the country.
“We are therefore dealing with very challenging times. However we call on those who are protesting to do so through peaceful means and to avoid violence and destruction at all costs,” he said in a statement.
The Zuma supporters, who have embarked on a Free Zuma campaign aimed at putting pressure on authorities to release the former president from jail, on Friday used trucks to block the N2 freeway in Empangeni and Mandini.
In Durban, the protesters blocked the M7 used by trucks to transport cargo to the Port of Durban.
Zikalala warned that the use of violence could result in those sympathising with Zuma turning against the protesters.
“We fully comprehend the feelings of the community, but unfortunately violent and destructive protests often affect or harm even the people who are not involved, and even those who share the very same pain and concerns of the protesters,” he said.
The provincial government, Zikalala said, would convene a meeting to come out with a strategy to respond to the violent protests.
Meanwhile a violent mob on Monday morning set Naledi Mall in Vosloorus alight, Ekurhuleni disaster and emergency management services said.
“I can confirm that we have received a call that Naledi Mall is on fire. Firefighters can’t access the scene because of the rioting crowds. We are still waiting for backup,” spokesperson William Ntladi”.
This after the mall was looted and vandalised on Sunday.
Ntladi said emergency services were also rushing to respond to a building on fire in Katlehong on Monday morning. He said Ekurhuleni was hit hard by the violence over the weekend, with several shops and shopping centres looted and vandalised.
This included Daveyton Mall, while a tyre shop and other stores in Germiston were torched, and Cambridge shopping centre in Vosloosrus was looted on Sunday night.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura has strongly condemned the acts of violence and lawlessness that have swept parts of the province over the weekend.
This comes after the parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal were engulfed by scenes of violence and looting from protesters who are allegedly calling for the release of former President Jacob Zuma from jail.
According to a statement released on Sunday, the Premier said the provincial law enforcement agencies have since assured him that they are in control of the situation and will continue to do everything to prevent any form of lawlessness and disruption of services.
Makhura commended the Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) for responding speedily.
“I would like to applaud the police for swift arrest and keep the situation calm. The police should continue in their duty to protect lives and property without any fear,” Makhura said.
He has called for calm among the Gauteng citizens.
“As a province and the country, we are still in the midst of a deadly pandemic and all of us are required to protect ourselves and avoid gatherings. I urge the people of Gauteng to observe lockdown regulations and only leave their homes when it is absolutely necessary, “the Premier added.