Mob loots liquor store at Langa mall
A MOB descended on a shopping centre in Langa yesterday, and stormed a Shoprite Liquor outlet, looting what they could as shocked shoppers looked on.
The government’s lockdown regulations have banned the sale of alcohol and cigarettes, with several people having been arrested for the sale and transport of alcohol.
Police spokesperson Novela Potelwa said a suspect, 33, was arrested in Langa in connection with the incident, which was caught on cellphone cameras, and was trending on social media.
“(Police) deployment in the area has since been reinforced as operations continue in search of more suspects for the burglary and looting,” Potelwa said.
Langa ward councillor Samkelo John said: “It is a very, very sad and bad reflection on us as the people of Langa, as it depicts us as an alcoholic society. Our people have made our community chaotic, one of two townships in Cape Town deemed not to abide by the lockdown regulations.”
John said the looting sent the wrong message about the Langa community “and we hope other people will not copy this irresponsible behaviour”.
Shoprite said private security and the police responded quickly and the store was secured. “Shoprite is engaging with law enforcement agencies at the highest level to assist with keeping our stores safe during the lockdown.
“We denounce acts of crime committed against our stores, which ultimately puts the livelihood of our employees, and often their lives and safety, and that of our customers at stake,” Shoprite said.
It urged the public to call the whistle-blowing hotline at 0800118 879 if any suspects were identified, or crime stop at 08600 10111 or to use the mySAPS app.