A video clip showing how two foreign nationals were kicked out of a spaza shop by a mob from Thaba Nchu, Free State, has been doing the rounds on social media.
Watch: Foreign shop owners chased out of Thaba Nchu
Onlookers gathered outside with phones at the ready when a group of residents stormed into an informal store, on Thursday, to conduct an inspection on the immigration status of two foreign nationals.
The clips starts off with cheers from Thaba Nchu residents as one of the shop owners was dragged to a SAPS minivan by a man dressed in a leather jacket.
The other foreigner was cautious to not antagonise a group of irate residents who were running out of patience with his refusal to get out of the store.
One could feel the tension build-up transmitting through the video recording, as the foreign national scrambled for his immigration documents, much to the frustration of Thaba Nchu residents.
Things quickly escalated when the man, confronted by the officer in plainclothes, could not produce his legal papers. Very quickly, Thaba Nchu residents launched at the foreigner and hauled him out of the store, much to the cheers of onlookers who made sure their victory was caught on camera.
Whether this raid was in line with Home Affairs protocol remains unanswered, as our requests for comment from Thaba Nchu police had not been met with a response at the time this article was published.
Here is the viral video clip of the raid where, it’s believed, two foreign nationals were taken into custody for failing to produce legal papers.
Thaba Nchu residents together with the law enforcement officers are doing the Lordβs work ππ½ππ½ππ½ππ½ pic.twitter.com/sh297L4TZj
— Patriot Pumzile (@PumPum_Radebe) May 12, 2022
This is a developing story.