Frustrated Sharpeville residents call for spaza shops to be returned to local businessmen

JOHANNESBURG - Frustrated Sharpeville residents are calling for spaza shops in the township to be returned to the hands of local businessmen.

This follows the murder of a local spaza shop owner, who was killed allegedly by other businessmen suspected to be foreign nationals.

His murder sparked violent demonstrations in the community, which saw residents looting foreign-owned businesses in the township.

All have been shut down.

ALSO READ: Sharpeville residents vow not to back down after shutting down foreign-owned spaza shops

Community leader Jacob Maletsela said only local business owners would be allowed to run spaza shops in Sharpeville.

“We will make sure their shops remain closed. We will monitor them day and night. These businesses must be owned by people from this community.”

Police have continued to monitor the situation amid concerns that foreign-owned spaza shops protests could spread to neighbouring townships.

Some Sharpeville residents, meanwhile, said they’re concerned about the alarming incidents of health complications caused by the consumption of food purchased from spaza shops.

Earlier this week, during the protests, the community also accused foreign-owned spaza shops of selling expired food.

Community members have threatened to take matters into their own hands if spaza shops continue to disregard regulations.

Along with shutting down their spaza shops, they’ve also targeted salons, car washes, and other businesses that don’t belong to South Africans.

Matlaletsa said this is to prevent life-threatening incidents caused by the consumption of poisonous products.

“We had a meeting with foreign spaza shop owners at the police station. They told us that they won’t leave the community. Imagine? In our own country? That’s what made us angry.”

Earlier this week, pupils from a primary school in Bronkhorstspruit were rushed to hospital after eating snacks allegedly bought from a street vendor.