Sharpeville residents protest and loot foreign-owned spaza shops, demanding control of their township’s economy following the fatal shooting of local shopkeeper Tebello Mokhema.
(The Post News)- Sharpeville, a township in Gauteng, South Africa, was brought to a standstill earlier today as residents looted local spaza shops belonging to foreign nationals. The unrest follows the fatal shooting of Tebello Mokhema, a local shopkeeper, on Wednesday evening.
According to eyewitnesses, a group of foreigners entered the township armed with guns, threatening anyone who stood in their way. Shots were fired, resulting in three people being shot, including Mokhema, who died at the scene.
Emily Mokone, Mokhema’s landlord, recounted hearing what sounded like firecrackers around 21:00, when Mokhema closed his business. Later, she and acquaintances discovered Mokhema had been shot and killed.
The community is allegedly demanding control of their township’s economy, insisting that foreign-owned shops cease operations and leave the area. Residents claim that foreign nationals have taken over local businesses, pushing out indigenous entrepreneurs.
“We want our economy back,” shouted one resident, echoing the sentiments of the community. “Foreigners must leave our township and allow us to run our own businesses.”
Foreign-owned shops have ceased operating, fearing further violence and intimidation. Law enforcement agencies are on the scene, attempting to restore order and calm.
The incident has sparked concerns about xenophobia and economic exclusion in South Africa. Community leaders have called for calm and urged residents to engage in peaceful dialogue.
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