5.17.1. A pharmacy and surgery in Nketa 8 were destroyed beyond repair
and goods looted from the buildings. Two shops (Tilus and Sakhelene
supermarkets) in Nketa 8 were looted and buildings vandalized. An
interview was conducted with a female resident whose home was
searched by two soldiers and one police officer. She stated that these
army and police officers were in search of goods that were looted
during the national shut down. The resident mentioned that these
officers searched the house without producing a search warrant
demanding receipts for all the groceries they found. She was not
harmed during the questioning.
5.17.2. Other areas that were monitored are Emakhandeni, Cowdry Park,
Emgwanwini, Pumula North and Nkulumane. It was noted that the
general environment was calm and people were doing their usual
business. It was however observed that shops were looted and
vandalized with the most affected being Choppies supermarket. The
intensity of the damage was not as severe as in the other areas
monitored.
5.18.
West Commonage Magistrates Court
5.18.1. On the 22nd of January 2019, the ZHRC managed to monitor the
court proceedings at West Commonage Magistrates Court where most
people (Including women and juveniles) appeared on different charges
ranging from looting, unlawful entry, theft and public violence during
the shut-down. Bail applications were opposed and dismissed by the
courts on the ground that the accused persons were likely to continue
looting if released on bail but however, some juveniles were granted
bail on usual conditions. Those who pleaded guilty had their matters
were given custodial sentences without the option of a fine or any other
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