In the aftermath of anti-illegal migration protests across the country on 30 June certain parts of the Overberg were either left reeling and distraught or still marching and protesting.
A video of community members looting a spaza shop in Villiersdorp on Tuesday evening made the rounds on communication channels. In it community members are seen taking products and stock from the shop until its shelves were empty and its equipment damaged.
On 1 July community members in Villiersdorp took to the streets to march against illegal foreign nationals, as reported by the Theewaterskloof (TWK) Municipality on Wednesday afternoon.
“TWK municipal Law Enforcement officers escorted foreign nationals from Goniwe Park to ensure their safety” as the protest ensued, according to a statement by the municipality.
The high tensions during the march led to officials resorting to “making use of crowd-management measures where necessary” while certain individuals engaged in “disruptive behaviour”, including throwing stones.
At the time of writing the march in Villiersdorp remained contained and residents were urged to “avoid the affected area where possible and to allow emergency and law-enforcement personnel to carry out their duties safely.” Law Enforcement officers and Disaster Management officials continued to monitor the situation closely.
The Good Party said in a press release it was deeply concerned about the unlawful actions of some community members in Villiersdorp, who had broken into spaza shops with the intention of stealing yesterday (30 June).
“This is unacceptable and this criminal behaviour will not be tolerated. As Good we call on all our members and all residents of Villiersdorp to uphold the rule of law. Do not take part in looting spaza shops because when caught, those involved will be arrested.
“We must set an example for our youth by acting in a manner that is obedient to the law. Let the law take its course. Looting and damaging buildings only creates chaos and unnecessary violence that could be avoided. Let us be responsible in our actions. Let us build, not break down.”
Zwelihle in Hermanus
Meanwhile, in Zwelihle, it is reported that young people broke into the homes of undocumented foreign nationals “looting” their furniture. It is alleged that the undocumented foreign nationals did not report the matter to local police out of fear for being detained for not possessing any official documents.
Marching every Thursday
Speaking to protesters on 30 June in KwaZulu-Natal, March and March leader Jacinta Ngobeni-Zuma announced there would be nationwide marches every Thursday for the next six months.
The marches were said to be in response to government spending R600 million on law enforcement and defence on Tuesday in response to the announced march. Ngobeni-Zuma also said the marches were to ensure that government takes “South Africans seriously” and deals with illegal-immigration by putting South Africans and their needs first.
