Retailers have been left reeling after the violent looting that has ravaged KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, costing businesses and the economy millions in losses and potentially a disruption in the supply chain and a shortage of goods, according to Business Day.
The Consumer Goods Council of SA (CGCSA) said in a statement released yesterday that there is a real danger to food security and that the priority would be to “protect food distribution centres, failing which we will have serious food shortages.”
According to Abbie Nelson, head of crime risk initiative at CGCSA, around 471 retailers have been affected by the lootings while CGCSA represents some 9000 members in the retail sector.
The looting started last week following the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma who failed to appear at the Zondo Commission and was found in contempt of court by the ConCourt. Looters hit retail and liquor stores hardest and have made off with merchandise that includes clothes, electronics and stolen food.
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