Black farmers group accused of triggering foreign spaza shop attacks

Farmers United South Africa (FUSA) is a group of black farmers who work together in becoming a major black economic force through commercial agriculture.

Well. they have been identified as the spark that ignited the streak of violence that befell foreign shop owners in Soweto, Johannesburg, last week.

FUSA was allegedly the first to accuse the foreign-owned spaza shops of selling expired and fake food to the community.

Read – Watch: Angry community members dispose of expired Spaza shop goods

FUSA refuse to address allegations related to sparking the violence that claimed lives

A video that surfaced a week prior to the violent attacks we saw in White City, shows alleged members of FUSA raiding a foreign-owned shop and looting their stock.

Times Live tried to make contact with the group to get their comments on the allegations but to little success.

“The relevant authorities will surely respond to your requests. Keep calm, as you are doing your job, so are our authorities,” they replied.

Read – Watch: Soweto looters make off with spaza shop fridge

There are those making money from sourcing expired goods at next to nothing selling – off to high density and low income area retailers and street hawkers. We know that clothes with defaults are also sold at a low price. Defaults aren't as noticeable and are re-sold to retailers. pic.twitter.com/U6Qp7aGMc1

— Chakra Dyan (@Wasanga_Mayhem) August 22, 2018

Fikila Mbalula addresses White City residents in Thuma Mina campaign launch

On Thursday, the ANC rolled out its Thuma Mina campaign with the national head of elections, Fikile Mbalula at the forefront of it.

Mbalula and co. kicked things off in Jabavu, White City, where just a week ago, it was a scene of violence and unrest.

The political party stated that it will work closely with the community to find a resolution on the matter, which is not helpful for either party involved.

Read – ANC speaks out on Spaza shops selling ‘fake’ expired goods

Mbalula made it clear to residents that it was discovered that many of the foreign shop owners did not have certificates to operate the business in the area.

Also, as Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi had iterated, there was no such thing as fake goods

Read – Update: death toll in White City foreign shop owners protest rises to three

Instead, it was discovered that there were expired products found in some of the spaza shops. He also condemned the looting of shops by residents, stating that there are other preventative measures that can be explored legally.

“You can’t loot a shop where you claim that people are selling illegal stuff because you are looting poison, you can’t do that,” he exclaimed.

The next part of the Thuma Mina campaign will see Mbalula, this time joined by President Cyril Rmaaphosa in Kwa-Zulu Natal.