Police have confirmed that it’s investigating the deaths of at least six people so far following a wave of protests and looting in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. So far, 219 suspects have been arrested. Police have admitted that they’re under a lot of pressure and admitted it has never seen this level of violence during looting before. SANDF spokesperson Brigadier General Mafi Mgobozi said in response to The South African’s questions regarding whether troops were being deployed to quell the violent looting, that a request had been received.

Durban residents awoke to a stream of reports of violent looting across the city that had continued throughout the night into the early hours of the morning. Looters continued their rampage after sunrise, looting a Spar in Berea Road and descending on Glenwood Village Spar and Davenport Centre. Several bottle stores including Spar Tops in Glenugie Road in Pinetown were also raided. Security companies were out assisting police to keep looters at bay in Waterfall and videos of residents fighting back against the looters also went viral.

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Videos of looters making their way through the Dube Trade Port area near the Samsung building were also circulated widely. The South African had asked Mgobozi to confirm whether a WhatsApp message that has been circulating on Monday was in fact true or not and whether troops were being deployed. The message was purportedly from a Spar retail manager advising their stores. The message read: “SPAR KZN: Urgent Retail Communication!! Government have officially deployed the SANDF to KZN to attempt to get matters under control.  We as the SPAR Group are continuing to engage with Government.  Take care, hang in be safe!” Mgobozi responding saying only: “I can confirm that a request has been received.” Social media groups and residents reported that helicopters could be heard circulating in the Pinetown and Waterfall area on Monday morning.

Durban has suspended its bus service following the closure of roads and freeways. The Durban central business district (CBD) has also remained a no go zone this morning after last night’s wild looting rampage which burned across the city.