“A community that defends together, survives together,” was the sentiment shared by Amanzimtoti Community Police Forum Chairperson, Merlene Matthews, who praised the community for their dedicated efforts in protecting the coastal town.
“It was a terrifying week and nothing prepared residents for what unfolded but there were citizens who took up the challenge for survival and showed their mettle. We had community members patrolling and manning streets, entrances and exits, to ensure the safety of residents, day and night. Men and women, of all ages, together with youth walked the streets and were ready to defend any threat. Police conducted patrols and CPF members availed themselves to assist around the clock. Various security companies were highly visible. This was the united stance that saved our town from being ravaged.” Matthews praised the community members, councillors, law enforcement and crimefighters for showing up when they were needed the most. “It was a fight to protect families, homes and businesses and for the greater part, we remain untouched except for some places in the Toti area. We thank each person who sacrificed their time and sleep and made an effort to brave the cold in protection of the community,” she added. In the midst of the violent unrest, Matthews’s business premises was attacked and looted. “I had to put my devastation aside and ensure that I was there for the community. Toti did experience some loss and violence and for that we are deeply distressed but generally, our team did exceptionally well in protecting our town,” she said.
Local resident, Annie Naidoo, said patrolling residents were the unsung heroes in the unrest attack. “It was heartwarming to see and experience the community spirit. Residents were determined to protect their families and community. There was friendly banter, hot beverages and constant communication and updates about situations and areas. In the midst of the turmoil, community members bonded and that fuelled their desire to protect each other,” Naidoo added. A local business owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It was indeed a blow for business owners but fortunately, due to the strong defence by the community and the high visibility of law enforcement and security companies, most of our businesses were unharmed. As an African business owner, I stood shoulder to shoulder with my fellow community members to ward off any attacks. We lost revenue but our properties are still standing because of the immense effort by the community.”
Toti youth, Kimaya Naidoo, said it was a challenge to stand out in the chilly nights but she felt she needed to be proactive in her neighbourhood. “Once out there, it was all about being alert with the adrenaline gushing through our veins. As youngsters, it was hardly fair to expect our elders to sacrifice their health and well-being to be on the roads while we sat back. This is our community and I could not be complacent and watch it falling into the hands of criminal forces,” said Naidoo. Toti resident, A J Botha, told the South Coast Weekly Gazette that he was grateful to have survived the ordeal together with his mother. “The hordes of protesters marched past my residence and headed towards Southgate Industrial Park. They descended with force on the storage facility on Wanda Cele Road and wreaked havoc. I was among the community members who watched in absolute horror as the violent group trashed and looted storage units. They made off with community members’ belongings, sentimental items and valuables. “It was awful to witness how residents rushed to the scene when it was safe to do so and looked in horror at the carnage. Members of the public who lost belongings stood and cried and even searched among the rubble for any remnants of their treasured items and memories. It certainly was a week of untold mayhem but thankfully, Toti survived the worst of it,” Botha said.
