Christmas came early for these hooligans, who looted freight trucks and helped themselves to large flat-screen TVs in De Doorns on Thursday.
Videos shared on social media show a mob of people raiding two trucks that came to a standstill when traffic on the N1 was held up by a protest yesterday morning.
Youngsters can be seen walking off with boxes containing TVs on their heads and other items from a Buona Donna Group truck and an SG Freight lorry.
The protesters are reportedly farm workers who are striking for higher wages.
Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Noloyiso Rwexana, said that police were on the scene and are investigating.
“Public Order Policing (POP) Units and other Law Enforcement Agencies were on the scene in De Doorns where community members embarked on a strike,” she said.
“Two trucks were reported looted. Police are following up on the people who looted the truck.
“No one has been arrested so far and the traffic has been diverted.”
PLUNDER: Skelms run off with the flat-screen TVs in De Doorns
Western Cape Traffic Chief Kenny Africa said that due to the unrest and protest action, the N1 in De Doorns has been closed in both directions.
He also advised drivers on possible alternate routes available to them.
“Alternative route coming from Touwsriver, turn right at the foot of the Hexriver Pass through De Doorns town to get back onto the N1,” he said.
“Coming from Worcester, please turn left into De Doorns and connect back onto the N1 at the foot of the Hexriver Pass.
“[The situation is currently very tense and volatile. There is a high police presence.”
Social media users, who have viewed the videos, shared their disgust and called for SAPS to act swiftly.
Ncedo Rwexwana posted: “Go to each and every household and if anyone doesn’t have proof of purchase they must be sent to jail. We can’t continue like this if we’re building a nation.”