WATCH: Zikalala sorry for hitting looter in viral video

In a video clip that has been circulating on social media, Zikalala is seen hitting a suspected looter, who was attempting to make off with goods that had apparently been stolen from a nearby warehouse. 

The incident occurred during Zikalala's assessment of the province on Wednesday. 

The Office of the Premier has since issued a statement saying Zikalala apologises for the incident. 

READ: Motorists barred from purchasing fuel in containers

"The premier apologises unequivocally about the incident."

"While the action of apprehending a resisting looter is justified, the manner in which this was done is deeply regretted.

"The premier apologises for this incident. The premier believes that public violence has no place in society and in the same spirit those who commit acts of destruction do not share in the values of our nation."