[imagesource: Photo: Armand Hough/African News Agency]

When a national state of disaster was declared, we waited to find out how it would play out.

President Ramaphosa and Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize inspired confidence in the process, and the majority of South Africans were willing to follow their advice and proceed accordingly.

As the weeks went on and the lockdown was extended, cracks in the system started to reveal themselves. For one thing, it became apparent early on that some ministers and government officials see themselves as above the laws and restrictions in place to halt the spread of the coronavirus. 

While partying, refusing to physically distance oneself (I’m looking at you, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams), and generally flouting the rules is appalling, perhaps more troubling is the corruption related to food relief programmes we’ve seen on show.

In response, hungry and desperate South Africans have taken to looting.

On Monday morning, a group of protesters looted food trucks in Bishop Lavis, allegedly stealing food parcels, reports IOL.

Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said the swift action taken by police following several incidents of public violence and criminal behaviour in Bishop Lavis this afternoon resulted in the arrest of four suspects.

Photo: Armand Hough/African News Agency(ANA)

“Two of the suspects will be charged of public violence and two for the possession of stolen goods,” Rwexana said.

Four trucks were delivering goods to bring relief to the community. Three of them were attacked and looted.

“Our members will remain in the area to search for those involved and to maintain law and order. Drivers of delivery trucks are warned to be cautious when visiting the area,” Rwexana said, certain routes may be affected or closed due to the situation.

Two truck drivers were injured during one of the incidents, both of which you can see here, the second in the final few seconds:

You can see more footage of the looting here:

A Checkers truck has been looted in Bishop Lavis, Cape Town.
Video: @armandhough/ @AfriNewsAgency pic.twitter.com/3Vb10MJPuV

— IOL News (@IOL) April 20, 2020

Reagen Allen, MPL and DA Western Cape community safety spokesperson, says they have seen a rise in opportunistic crime during the lockdown.

Allen said their call to deploy Neighbourhood Watches and Community Policing Forums is vindicated “as we have noted the looting of a truck and a number of stores.

Photo: Armand Hough/African News Agency(ANA)

NHWs and CPFs would be able to assist in our fight against crime”.

Between corrupt politicians and opportunists in needy communities, things aren’t looking good as far as food parcel relief goes.

[source:iol]