Bronkhorstspruit community says only matter of time until they shut down foreign-owned spaza shops

JOHANNESBURG - Community members in the Zithobeni township in Bronkhorstspruit said it's only a matter of time until they shut down foreign-owned spaza shops in the community.

This followed the hospitalisation of seven pupils at the Mshuluzane Primary School after experiencing stomach cramps.

It's understood the learners consumed expired snacks allegedly bought from street vendors outside the school.

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Dozens of residents protested in the township on Thursday, demanding an urgent solution to the sale of expired goods.

A spaza shop that was once packed with snacks and other goods has been left with nothing but empty shelves and empty packets of chips.

This is the result of frustrated residents who stormed foreign-owned stores in the township, which they believe are at the centre of selling expired foods.

An angry community member, Puleng Mofokeng, said it's time community members took matters into their own hands.

"This is also happening in other townships. So, we are really hurt by this. That is why people are raiding these spaza shops."

But police have vowed to prevent community members from destroying any more spaza shops in the Pretoria East township.