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Foreign nationals urged not to return to Soweto

The Somali Community Board will wait for instructions from govt on when to resume trading.

A foreign national stands by the open window to the makeshift kitchen at a sanctuary in Mayfair, Johannesburg, after he fled violence against foreign nationals owning spaza shops in Soweto. Picture: Thomas Holder/EWN
A foreign national stands by the open window to the makeshift kitchen at a sanctuary in Mayfair, Johannesburg, after he fled violence against foreign nationals owning spaza shops in Soweto. Picture: Thomas Holder/EWN
| 2551 days ago

JOHANNESBURG - The Somali Community Board in Soweto has urged foreign nationals not to return to the township, at least for now, fearing tensions could rise again after last month's looting and violence.

The unrest was sparked by the death of 14-year-old Siphiwe Mahori, allegedly by a foreign shop owner in Doornkop, who'd accused him of attempted robbery.

The looting and violence spread beyond parts of Soweto and claimed at least six lives, including that of a baby.

Chairperson of the board, Amir Sheikh, says they will wait for government's instructions on when it's safe to resume trading.

"We agreed with the MEC for community safety that after the burial of the young Siphiwe Mahori, we should hold on for a meeting with leadership on a coordinated way of our members returning to the community."

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