40 independent pharmacies in KZN and Gauteng looted and damaged

14 July 2021 - 16:40 By suthentira govender

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Pharmacies have not been spared in the ongoing unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Image: Alaister Russell/The Sunday Times

About 40 pharmacies in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng have been damaged and looted in ongoing riots in the two provinces.

The Independent Community Pharmacy Association (IPCA), which has a pool of 1,100 pharmacies throughout SA, told TimesLIVE on Wednesday that 21 pharmacies in KwaZulu-Natal were looted and damaged.

“One of these pharmacies was burnt to the ground,” said Jackie Maimin, ICPA CEO.

The owner of a small medical centre in the Diepkloof mall in Soweto, Dr Thabile Vezi, arrived at work on Tuesday July 13 2021 to discover that her business had been overrun and looted.

“We are receiving ongoing reports of looting and damage to pharmacies in Gauteng as well.

“Combined, we are looking at 40-plus pharmacies that have been forced to close their doors due to damage, looting and theft.”

TimesLIVE