By Kaya 959 News
Items recovered from last week’s looting will be destroyed.
According to Acting Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the looted goods will be used as evidence in the respective cases before they are destroyed.
Ntshavheni explained that the goods have to be destroyed as their resale value will have a negative impact on the economy.
She said if the items were put back in circulation, they would depreciate the value and it would be harmful to the economy.
“We cannot afford to collapse the economy by allowing stolen goods to be circulated,” she said.
READ: Survey reveals SA youth’s support for looting
Police work to recover stolen items
Police and law enforcement officials have spent much of this week recovering items that were taken during the widespread looting of shopping centres in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Acts of violence played out in both provinces after former president Jacob Zuma’s arrest on charges of contempt of court.
Dozens of shops, businesses and large warehouses were destroyed in KZN. The looting quickly spread to parts of Gauteng where several stores were damaged.
According to police, around 3 400 people have been arrested on various charges.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) spokesperson, Colonel Brenda Muridili, said they have received a number of tip-offs about stolen goods.
READ: Alleged unrest instigator Ngizwe Mchunu denied bail
“During integrated operations at a number of hostels in Tembisa, Johannesburg, Alexandra and Moroka, 14 suspects were arrested for being in possession of suspected looted property. Amongst the goods recovered were bed mattresses, television sets, couches, fridges, sound systems, computer screens, laptops, steel frames, groceries and clothing. “
Members of the public should continue to report criminality to the police, which may be done anonymously by calling the crime stop number 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS app that can be downloaded onto any smartphone.



