Police say vigilantism, lawlessness won't be tolerated after deaths of 5 children in Naledi
The children died on Sunday in Naledi after consuming snacks from a local spaza shop.
Five children died after consuming chips bought from a spaza shop in Naledi, Soweto. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng police have taken a tough stance on incidents of vigilantism in Soweto following the death of five children in Naledi.
The children died on Sunday after consuming snacks from a local spaza shop.
ALSO READ: Soweto police on guard as community attempts to raid spaza shops after deaths of 5 children
While autopsy results are yet to be concluded, community members in the area believe poor safety and compliance by the shop owners are to blame for the tragedy.
In the wake of the tragedy, community members stormed some foreign-owned businesses in the area, including looting the store that sold the chips to the five children.
Following Tuesday’s tensions, acting provincial police commissioner, Fred Kekana, said that law enforcement would keep a close watch on the situation.
"What I would like to highlight is that lawlessness, vigilantism, and criminality are things which will not be tolerated."
IN PICS| Inside the spaza shop looted by community members in #Naledi on Thlathlane Street, #Soweto, and shut down by police following the deaths of five children. The children allegedly died after consuming chips bought from this spaza shop - investigations are still ongoing. pic.twitter.com/JwXXr0LAcQ
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) October 8, 2024