SANCO condemns attacks on foreign traders in parts of Soweto

A shop owned by this Ethiopian national was looted in KwaThema in Springs. Picture: Bongiwe Mchunu

JOHANNESBURG – The South African National Civic Organisation on Friday condemned attacks on foreign traders in parts of Soweto and urged communities to isolate criminal elements that were hijacking genuine community concerns.

This comes after violent attacks on spaza shops in Soweto on Wednesday left three people dead.

“Those who are looting shops owned by foreign national under the guise that these are selling illicit fake food products have a criminal intend and a destructive agenda than protecting the health and welfare of our communities,” SANCO spokesperson Jabu Mahlangu said.

“Their actions defy our humanity and commitment to peaceful coexistence”.

PRECIOUS BELONGINGS: Foreign-national shop owners gathered at Moroka police station to collect their goods which were kept at the station for safekeeping after the looting in Soweto. Picture: Bhekikhaya Mabaso/Africa News Agency (ANA)

Mahlangu said that the moral regeneration project must be revived and crime prevention structures revitalised to address lawlessness and encroaching immorality.  

“The current crisis is pointing to endemic corruption that has been allowed to fester in the food industry and or collapse of environmental health inspectorates in municipalities that are supposed to be conducting regular unannounced inspections at business premises and spaza shops,” he said.

He said if left unaddressed this could affect the overall health of the nation.

“Action must be taken against those who have been turning a blind eye to this alleged catastrophe,” he added.

File. A foreigner’s shop is looted at WhiteCity in Soweto, the looting which started at the Snake Park area spread to the entire township. Picture. ANA/Matthews Baloyi

Mahlangu welcomed the government’s resolve to tackle the sale of fake items and intensify consumer awareness relating to the safety of food products.

“To this end we are encouraging our structures to be part of stakeholder engagement forums that will be held next week with different business formations and monitor compliance with applicable legislation by regulatory bodies,” Mahlangu added.

– African News Agency (ANA)

Source: iol.co.za