“IF you loot, you will meet the long arm of the law after we catch you” warn taxi operators.
A convoy of taxis was patrolling the streets of Kariega, last week, warning people not to loot and destroy local businesses.
Residents across the province were on guard against the unrest and violence sweeping neighbouring KwaZulu-Natal.
Members from the Uitenhage and District Taxi Association and Uncedo Service Taxi Association departed from the KwaNobuhle Mall and snaked through several townships, ending in the CBD. Scores of people, including young children, watched from the pavement as the procession made its way through, honking their hooters.
At points during the journey, a voice over the loud hailer urged residents of Nelson Mandela Bay not to participate in looting. “We are not KZN and Gauteng. If you loot, you will be dealt with,” the man shouted.
Lubabalo Vesele of the Uitenhage Taxi Association said, “We received a mandate that we must make sure no looting spree takes place. We are not trained in policing…but we are capable of defending against whatever comes our way. We will defend the business industry and that of others. If you loot, you will meet the long arm of the law after we catch you.”
Lithemba Sdeba, one of the convoy organisers, told managers of Shoprite at KwaNobuhle mall to open their doors and operate again. “Don’t panic. We will deal with anyone who tampers with the business.”
Siphiwo Vusani, chairperson of the community protection forum in KwaNobuhle, said, “We would like to educate our people about the consequences of taking part in the mayhem that is happening in other provinces. It’s not easy though to educate our people because we are in lockdown Level 4 which prohibits gatherings. We now educate residents through social media, telling them to refrain from looting.”
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said that the closure of many of the stores in Kariega was because of false messaging and rumours circulating about looting.
