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File photo
Residents in Thembisa on Gauteng’s East Rand have taken to the streets, gathering in large numbers at Swazi Inn, to protest against the sale of unsafe and non-compliant goods at local spaza shops.
The protest follows calls from community members for the closure of non-compliant shops, many of which are believed to be foreign-owned, amid concerns over expired and unsafe food products allegedly being sold.
Residents say they are acting to protect their health and safety, accusing some shop owners of putting lives at risk.
One of the residents leading the march, Sibusiso Mahlangu, says, “What we found at Swazi Inn, we did not know we could find such things. Why are they selling rotten products to us? It means they are putting our lives at risk. As residents, we are concerned. It is better we throw away their products. They must go and sell these products to their own citizens.”
Community members say they will continue to raise concerns until action is taken to address the issue.
Thembisa residents shut down spaza shops
