Government is working with the National Consumer Goods Council to ensure food security following the recent unrest that plagued parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

Acting Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni noted reports of panic buying and has urged citizens to remain calm and exercise restraint during the unrest.

“With the looting of shopping malls and centres, the community members are raising concerns of food shortages and stoppage of key economic activities. If we have members of the public flocking into the shops and malls to buy food stuff we also risk spreading the Covid-19 virus to uncontrollable levels,” she said.

Ntshavheni also condemned some action by community members who are taking up arms to protect their properties.

“If we have everybody taking up arms, we stand a risk of having unruly elements also hijacking the noble efforts of the community. We understand the concern of the community for their safety and their need to protect their properties. We would like to urge these communities to work with the law enforcement agencies to stop the looting and violence and to operate within the rule of law,” she said.

The Minister also warned members of the media and community not to release or circulate sensitive information on ongoing investigations on identified suspects who are behind the violence and looting.

“This situation will jeopardise sensitive investigations which are ongoing and it can affect the judicial processes. We therefore appeal for responsible reporting and sharing of sensitive information,” she stated.