Looters say why they want the foreigners out

20 February 2014 - 02:55 By Sipho Masombuka
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LOOTERS' PARADISE: Police stood by as protesters in Zamdela township in Sasolburg, Free State, burned a delivery truck and looted a liquor store outside the local police station yesterday. Residents then engaged in running battles with the police before reinforcements were called in to quell the protests Pictures:
LOOTERS' PARADISE: Police stood by as protesters in Zamdela township in Sasolburg, Free State, burned a delivery truck and looted a liquor store outside the local police station yesterday. Residents then engaged in running battles with the police before reinforcements were called in to quell the protests Pictures:
Image: ALON SKUY

The people of Refilwe township, in Cullinan, east of Pretoria, say Pakistani and Ethiopian shop owners are disrespectful and killers in explanation of their rampage.

On Tuesday night the community's fury exploded into a frenzy of looting and destruction, leaving at least six foreigner-owned shops damaged and one ablaze.

Yesterday residents torched three vehicles belonging to shop owners as police battled to get the foreigners safely out of the township.

"We want these people out of our lives . they are abusing our hospitality," said resident Dineo Motsiping.

The latest violence was sparked when resident John Tau, 42, was allegedly killed by a Pakistani shop owner wielding a golf club on Tuesday. Residents said Tau was caught up between the shop owner and shoplifters.

As the news of Tau's death spread, the community vented its anger on foreigner-owned shops.

Maphefo Mohajane's daughter, Phindile, 23, had just got out of a taxi from Cullinan when she was shot, allegedly by a foreign shop owner said to be shooting randomly at rampaging residents.

"[Shop owners] were carrying guns in full view of the police. Now my daughter is lying in hospital with a bullet wound in her foot."

Police spokesman Marissa van der Merwe could not confirm Tau's death.

She said the Refilwe violence was sparked by the death of a nine-year-old boy, allegedly killed by a Pakistani shop owner for stealing sweets last week.

Van der Merwe said a Pakistani man was arrested yesterday for attempted murder after allegedly shooting at residents on Tuesday.

"Thirty-one people were arrested for public violence and possession of stolen property."

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