A Somali national operating a spaza shop in Boksburg, East Rand, was reportedly arrested on Tuesday after allegedly shooting and killing a teenage boy.
Story Summary
- A Somali spaza shop owner in Boksburg has been arrested after allegedly shooting a teenage boy, sparking community outrage.
- Protests in Soweto disrupted the registration of foreign-owned spaza shops as residents demanded the removal of undocumented traders.
- Authorities continue crackdowns on non-compliant spaza shops nationwide, citing concerns over food safety and expired goods.
Foreign national reportedly jailed for killing teen
According to reports, the suspect, whose identity has not been released, was assaulted by outraged community members before being placed under police guard at a hospital.
The alleged shooting has amplified existing tensions surrounding foreign-owned spaza shops.
Law enforcement officials are yet to confirm further details about the circumstances leading to the fatal incident, and investigations are ongoing.
The shooting follows a 21-day directive issued by President Cyril Ramaphosa, requiring all spaza shops to comply with licensing regulations or face permanent closure.
The government initiative, sparked by concerns over food safety and expired goods, has added fuel to already simmering tensions in communities like Soweto and Boksburg.
Spaza shop blitz sparks nationwide outrage
This incident coincides with recent clashes between community members and Operation Dudula activists, who have opposed the registration of foreign-owned spaza shops.
On Monday, protests outside the Jabulani Civic Centre in Soweto disrupted the process of registering informal businesses.
Residents, armed with placards, demanded the removal of undocumented foreigners, alleging that spaza shops operated by foreign nationals contribute to substandard food safety.
Services at the civic centre were suspended amid the unrest.
Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile, in a media briefing held Tuesday, reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring compliance.
Maile explained the requirements for spaza shop registrations, including proof of business registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and valid documentation from the Department of Home Affairs for foreign nationals.
“These regulations ensure public safety and fair trading practices,” Maile stated.
“Foreign nationals applying for business visas must demonstrate a significant capital contribution of at least R5 million or submit a detailed business plan.”
Meanwhile, cities such as Tshwane have ramped up efforts to crack down on illegally operated shops.
Recent inspections in areas like Eersterust and Lotus Gardens led to the closure of outlets found selling expired goods, using illegal power connections, and operating without proper documentation.
Tshwane’s Health MMC Tshegofatso Mashabela likened some non-compliant shops to “mafia states,” citing their disregard for public safety.
“We cannot allow our children to consume goods that lack proper labelling or that are potentially harmful,” she said.
