The tornado left a huge trail of destruction in Tongaat, north of Durban. PIcture: Willem Phungula / Independent Newspapers
As residents of Tongaat pick up the pieces, following a devastating tornado that wreaked havoc on Monday night, they are now dealing with the issue of thieves.
Reaction Unit Souh Africa (Rusa) who have been on the ground since the devastation broke out, responding to hundreds of calls for assistance, said properties damaged by a tornado are now being targeted by thieves.
Rusa boss Prem Balram said they received numerous calls from residents of Sandfields and Fairbreeze in Tongaat that drug addicts were entering homes that were damaged during the tornado and stealing anything of value.
“An elderly female who is currently attempting to restore her home in Sandfields informed Reaction Officers that her grandsons are sleeping outdoors at night in an attempt to protect household items they salvaged from their extensively damaged home.”
Balram said many of the areas are in darkness, following power outages.
“Thieves are utilising the darkness at night to gain entry to homes and strip them of their valuables. Several homes were left vacant after families were forced to relocate.”
Residents of Sandfields and Fairbreeze told Rusa members that drug addicts are entering homes that were damaged during the tornado and stealing anything of value.
So far the death toll has risen to 11.
Thieves Target Properties Damaged In Tornado: Tongaat - KZN
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Residents of Sandfields and Fairbreeze in Tongaat – KZN informed members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) that drug addicts are entering homes that were damaged during the tornado and stealing anything of value. pic.twitter.com/7n39CM2Cdc
Among the deceased are a 39-year-old Tongaat teacher and an 18-month-old toddler who were both killed in separate incidents, following structural collapses in their respective homes.
All government departments have responded.
On Wednesday the KwaZulu-Natal-Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza, together with South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) and the Hollywood Foundation, were expected to provide Social Relief of Distress to communities affected in the area.
The SAPS have been approached for comment if they are aware of the theft incidents. Comment will be updated once received.
IOL News