On Wednesday (17/6), a teenager, 16, from Extension 3 allegedly purchased snacks from a local tuckshop and later complained of stomach cramps. He informed community members, who confronted the tuckshop owner.

The owner allegedly refused to open the shop, resulting in community members forcing entry and looting groceries from inside.

An additional number of community members joined the incident and proceeded to loot other tuckshops in the area.

“During the unrest, two police vehicles were damaged, with tyres deflated and windscreens damaged,” said Free State police spokesperson Mmako Mophiring. “Private security personnel who were assisting police to calm the situation were also attacked.

“The Harrismith public order police unit responded and arrested seven suspects. Some of the looted items were recovered. The situation was brought under control and remained calm until approximately 04:00 this morning.

“The POP unit, together with Vrede police, continues to monitor the situation. The arrested suspects will be processed and will appear in court soon.”

Meanwhile, in May, the Mangaung metro condemned incidents of looting targeting foreign-national-owned shops in parts of Bloemfontein, warning communities against taking the law into their own hands.

At least 142 suspects have been arrested following unrest resulting in the looting of foreign-owned shops. According to police, 109 of those arrested were men, and 33 were women.

The looting started on Sunday, 24 May, at around 19:00 in Bloemspruit Phase 6, where a crowd stormed a grocery store. Community members reportedly intervened and rescued the store manager before public order policing units arrived.

Later in the Maditlhabela area of Phase 6, a crowd of about 80 people allegedly threw stones at police vehicles. POP members dispersed the group, while tuckshop owners in Pieter Swarts managed to prevent further losses by removing stock after attempted break-ins.

“(We) condemn these acts of lawlessness and warn the public against lawbreaking or instigating violence through digital platforms,” said Free State police spokesperson Thabo Covane.

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