Twenty-nine people have been arrested in Mangaung in Bloemfontein in the Free State for public violence following the looting of foreign-owned tuck shops overnight.
Residents went on a rampage yesterday after 47 learners from Ihobe Primary School were rushed to Pelonomi Hospital for consuming suspected expired biscuits and chocolates.
A child from Toka Primary School was also rushed to hospital due to suspected food poisoning.
So far, all children except one have been discharged from hospital.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli says some tuck shop operators have managed to flee with their stock while others had to abandon their shops to save their lives.
Kareli says police are monitoring the situation which is currently calm.
Meanwhile, the Mangaung Metro Mayor Gregory Nthatisi is set to visit Ihobe Primary School.
Residents have called on government to deploy health inspectors to wholesalers and spaza shops.
Angry residents of Bloemfontein in the Free State have looted goods from foreign-owned spaza shops. pic.twitter.com/wqXHoNjOmT
— SABC News (@SABCNews) November 8, 2024
VIDEO:
Community members are looting spaza shops in Bloemfontein, Rocklands.
Video by Nombulelo Mokoakoa pic.twitter.com/Bca4vPtCn6— SABC News (@SABCNews) November 7, 2024
