More destruction hits Springfield as unrest continues

eThekwini firefighters are still battling the chemical-fuelled flames at one of the businesses which has been in a family for about 55 years.

R100 million and 100 jobs is the monetary value of the equipment lost in the blaze and livelihoods along with it.

Newswatch spoke to a visibly distraught and emotional Ashveer Ramdutt who said his father had built the business from the ground up with his own money.

He says over the years, he would save to buy more equipment and patiently grew the arts and print supply business.

While firefighters were risking their lives running into the fiery 3 500 square-metre factory, closer to one of the entrances, attempts were being made to remove whatever remaining machinery by means of a forklift closer to one of the entrances.

Ramdutt says what pains him further is they arrived at around 6am to active looting and had to chase the looters away.

He says they immediately called the fire department who arrived some three hours later while they watched their family history burn to the ground.

Just a few meters and a literally two right turns down the road a second factory, a textile business, is also alight.

There were no firefighters at that scene. 

Newswatch spotted a security guard who was frantically trying to save the large factory with a single garden hose. 

When asked why he just doesn't give up as the owners are also nowhere to be seen, he gave a heart-wrenching reply that if he could save the factory he could just save his job.