Threats to informal traders will not be tolerated

Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Safety, Sizakele Masuku, has called on the metro police to deal with threats of violence directed at spaza shop owners in townships. Masuku gave the directive to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) following a brief visit to a spaza shop owner, Thulani Khumalo, on Tuesday after he allegedly received life-threatening messages from other traders suspected to be foreign nationals. Khumalo claims he has been receiving threats from unknown people telling him to close down his shop 'or else his life would be in danger'. Last week, one of Khumalo's friends was shot by unknown gunmen as he was leaving his shop. Khumalo said he and his family are now living in fear as suspicious armed characters in different cars come to his home and shop looking for him. Masuku condemned the threats, emphasising South Africa promotes free trade, and everyone entering the space must be allowed to do business and have a fair shot at the market. 'We cannot sit back and allow these thre ats as a municipality. The EMPD must act swiftly and ensure that those behind this are locked up,' Masuku said. Masuku said precautionary measures will be taken to protect Khumalo and his family. Source: South African Government News Agency