Viral Video of Residents Looting Liquor Truck in Mfuleni Sparks Outrage in South Africa
- A video of crowds looting an alcohol truck in Mfuleni, Cape Town, has gone viral on social media
- In another incident in the area, police arrested a 43-year-old suspect after tracing a hijacked liquor truck
- South Africans weighed in on the viral video, with many calling for accountability and arrests to be made
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: UGC
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
WESTERN CAPE - A video showing crowds scrambling to loot an alcohol truck in Mfuleni, Cape Town, has gone viral on social media, sparking heated debate about lawlessness and looting in South Africa.
The footage, which has gone viral on X, shows a chaotic street scene in which a large group of people push and shove one another, bending down to grab items strewn across the pavement near the side of a truck.
Many of the people were still in dressing gowns, while one of the women appeared to be pregnant as well. There is no information about when the incident happened, or what led to the truck being looted.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
Hijacked truck traced to Montague Gardens
In a seemingly related development, Cape Town police confirmed that a liquor truck had been hijacked in Mfuleni on Wednesday, 9 September 2026. The police's K9 unit rapidly traced the vehicle to 5th Avenue in Montague Gardens, where officers made a significant discovery.
Police spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala said that upon arrival, members spotted an unidentified man offloading the truck's container using a forklift. A black Jeep was also found parked on the premises, matching the description of a vehicle reported stolen in Milnerton.
Authorities seized the stolen truck, the Jeep, and 1,540 cases of liquor in the operation. A 43-year-old man was arrested and is expected to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate's Court once formally charged.
South Africans react to the looting footage
The viral clip drew sharp responses from South Africans online.
@Vincyboy21 said:
"That's what they are famous for. Instead of helping the truck driver and checking if he's still okay, they'd rather loot. Let's do better, South Africans, please."
@Mantwa9u urged:
"As long as there are no arrests every time this happens, this will continue. Shameful. If they are not working, we taxpayers give them social grants monthly, but they still do this. SA Police Service, do the right thing. Their faces are visible."
@LTN_Madondo remarked:
"Even the pregnant are looting alcohol."
@vipkalombo said:
"Shame, but not surprised. This keeps happening because nothing ever happens to those who do it."
@VuyaniSea wrote:
"This is embarrassing. It should be an offence to loot. Two years in jail."
Other Briefly News stories about looting
- A recent looting incident involving a Cash-in-transit (CIT) vehicle in the Free State area sparked urgent debates regarding poverty and desperation in South Africa.
- Viewers were stunned when a crowd descended upon a Heineken delivery truck that was involved in an accident, seizing the opportunity to loot beer despite the presence of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
- Chaos that ensued following a car accident involving a delivery truck in the affluent Fourways area of Johannesburg, where motorists were seen looting fabric softener from the wreckage.
Read also
Riemvasmaak residents find bones and bloodstained dress hours after prayer for missing girl
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Briefly News
