Pretoria - Government has strongly condemned the violent attacks and looting of foreign-owned shops in Katlehong in the east of Johannesburg.
“Attacks on fellow human beings, destruction of property as well as looting are criminal offences that will not be tolerated,” acting Cabinet spokesperson Phumla Williams said on Wednesday.
Williams appealed to members of the community to co-operate with the law enforcement agencies to ensure that those who take the law into their own hands are brought to book, regardless of their nationality.
The violence flared after a man was killed and four others wounded by a foreign national who owns a business in the area. Since then foreign-owned shops in the area have been looted.
Police continue to patrol the area. There have been no arrests yet as police investigate a case of public violence.
Government said the tensions in the area came as a surprise as the township is renowned for peaceful co-existence between South Africans and foreign nationals.
Williams said government is concerned with local and foreign business owners who do not adhere to standards of the Consumer Protection Act.
She highlighted that consumers should understand their rights and responsibilities.
“All communities in South Africa are encouraged to work together with government towards social cohesion and nation building.”
Members of the public are encouraged to call the Department of Trade and Industry’s consumer contact centre on 0861 843 384 or the Office of Consumer Protection on 012 394 1336/ 1558/ 1078 to lay complaints and get assistance relating to any violation of the rights as consumers. - SAnews.gov.za
