Kaya News reporter
Residents of Soweto have taken a stand against looters and have formed a human wall outside Maponya Mall to protect their main source of daily items from looters.
Taking a stand to protect the closest amenity they have, residents braved the freezing temperatures to protect the last mall standing in Soweto.
A large group of residents decided that enough is enough and vowed not to allow any looting of Maponya Mall overnight. The human wall was still present this morning.
Residents of Soweto have formed a human wall in front of the #MaponyaMall. They say it is the closest place where they are able to get all the basic necessities and they have vowed not to allow any #looting to take place. #SABCNEWS pic.twitter.com/ZbLpYff4WH
— Tshepo (@tphagane) July 14, 2021
One of the residents who was responsible for mobilising the residents of Soweto is being hailed as a future leader. He spoke to Newzroom Afrika about why the decision was made to take the higher ground and not use violence to send a strong message to looters.
He raised the issue of police stations in Soweto not having the capacity to cater to the community effectively and said there was no saviour coming. Waiting for intervention was not an option, by then there would be nothing left of the much-needed mall in the area.
Now that’s a man and future leader. 👏👏👏#SouthAfricaIsBurning #MaponyaMall #Soweto pic.twitter.com/gnopkvPEWD
— Ariel Cohen 🇿🇦 (@thearielcohen) July 13, 2021
Call to defend MAPONYA MALL and all other business that aren’t yet looted.
Come out and defend the township economy and the future of Soweto.
Full video on my insta: @nhlanhla_lux #defendingmaponyamall#defendmaponyamall #sowetoparliament #townshipeconomy #lootingmustfall pic.twitter.com/vxIRIl3DtB— nhlanhlalux (@nhlanhla_lux_) July 13, 2021
The defence of Maponya Mall didn’t come without peril, and those who attempted to loot the mall were dealt with by the community who apprehended them. Grateful residents thanked the mall defenders with refreshments and warm beverages on Wednesday, in a true act of South African Ubuntu.
Also read: WATCH: Duduzane Zuma condemns looting and destruction in SA



