Tsakani Tensions Escalate After Teen Shot And Spaza Shops Torched In Brakpan

Tensions remain high in Tsakani, Brakpan, following a shooting that left a 15-year-old boy injured and sparked attacks on several foreign-owned spaza shops. Police have intensified monitoring in the area as investigations continue into the violence.

The incident has fuelled unrest in the Ekurhuleni township, where allegations have emerged that armed security guards protecting foreign-owned businesses opened fire during a confrontation. Authorities have so far confirmed the shooting of the teenager, while reports of another fatality have not yet been confirmed by police.

Tsakani Shooting Sparks Violence At Foreign-Owned Spaza Shops

According to police, a group of about 100 people gathered in Tsakani Extension 22 three days ago and allegedly demanded that a foreign national shop owner leave the area. It is alleged that private security officers then opened fire, leaving a 15-year-old boy wounded.

Following the shooting, several spaza shops were allegedly set alight by protesters. Police officers who responded to the unrest also came under attack, with their vehicles reportedly pelted with stones.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said:

"It is reported that three days ago, a group of approximately 100 people gathered at Extension 22, forcing a foreign national shop owner to vacate the area. Private security officers allegedly came and started shooting randomly and, in the process, a 15-year-old teenager was shot and injured.

"The protesters went on to torch the shop. The police attended the scene and their vehicles were pelted with stones."

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She confirmed that cases of attempted murder and malicious damage to property have been opened. No arrests have been made.

"Saps, together with Ekurhuleni metro police, continue to monitor the area."

African Diaspora Forum Calls For Calm Amid Tsakani Unrest

African Diaspora Forum chair Amir Sheikh urged residents to avoid retaliatory violence and allow law enforcement to investigate the allegations surrounding the shooting.

"The loss of any life is tragic and the teenager shot is deeply concerning. Our condolences go to the grieving family, the family of the child and the community."

He said allegations that private security hired to protect foreign-owned businesses had used lethal force required a full police investigation.

"If private security hired by Ethiopian foreign business owners used lethal force to guard the businesses, this raises serious questions that the police must investigate, including the legality of the security firm, firearm possession and circumstances of the shooting."

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Sheikh stressed that neither unlawful violence nor attacks on businesses could be justified.

"No business interest justifies unlawful lethal force, nor could community grievances justify retaliatory violence. The rule of law must be upheld."

He warned that the latest violence could inflame tensions around crime, migration and foreign-owned businesses if the situation is not managed carefully.

"Communities like Tsakani have seen how a single incident can lead to unrest targeting foreigner-owned businesses. Today, neighbouring areas like Duduza host no foreign traders and the reason is similar to such reckless incidents in the past."

"Residents should let the South African Police Service (Saps) investigate the issue thoroughly. No one should take the law into their own hands."

March and March national spokesperson Sandile Dube said the movement had no involvement in the unrest. He said the organisation does not support or encourage acts of violence.

Police have continued to maintain a presence in Tsakani as tensions remain high. Investigations into the shooting and damage to property are ongoing.