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Ramaphosa Slams DIY Justice as Soweto Spaza Shutdowns Stir Drama
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to refrain from taking the law into their own hands following the recent closure of foreign-owned spaza shops in Orlando East, Soweto.
The shutdowns, driven by concerns over food safety and demands to reclaim the township economy, have sparked widespread debate.
Addressing an ANC event in Limpopo, Ramaphosa stressed the importance of relying on law enforcement to handle such matters. He warned against vigilantism, emphasizing the potential legal consequences of acting outside the law.
“We call on our people not to take the law into their own hands. The law can burn you. Cooperate with law enforcement agencies, point them in the right direction, and they are the ones who must take action. Otherwise, you will face consequences needlessly when you work outside the law. We want people to work within the law,” Ramaphosa said.
The president’s comments follow his announcement on November 15, ordering the closure of spaza shops linked to recent food poisoning incidents and giving owners 21 days to register their businesses.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged communities not to take matters into their own hands. Ramaphosa was responding to calls by residents of Orlando East in Soweto to have foreign-owned shops shut down. He was speaking on the sidelines of the Thabazimbi rally in Limpopo ahead of… pic.twitter.com/feo9L7kYhM
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) December 1, 2024
Authorities have since begun shutting down non-compliant shops and are investigating fraudulent registrations. Ramaphosa reaffirmed that only spaza shops adhering to health and regulatory standards would be permitted to operate.
This move has been met with mixed reactions, as some community members applaud the efforts to ensure safety and accountability, while others express concerns about the livelihoods of affected shop owners.
The president’s appeal for cooperation highlights the delicate balance between ensuring public safety and maintaining the rule of law in addressing township economic challenges.
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