Police are on a high alert following renewed threats of violence after some of the residents of this sprawling informal settlement, Ramaphosa in Ekurhuleni called on foreign shop owners to immediately shut down their businesses and leave the area by Tuesday, 1 February 2011.
However, police have swiftly moved in to calm the situation. MEC for Local Government and Housing Mr Humphrey Mmemezi has called for calm. The MEC appeals to local leadership and the community to refrain from attacking foreign-owned businesses. MEC Mmemezi said if people have grievances against foreign shop owners they should rather seek proper channels to raise their concerns rather than resort to violence.
“We would not tolerate a situation where people decide to take the law into their own hands. I appeal to all residents of Ramaphosa to refrain from any acts violence and to use community structures to resolve matters which are of concern to them”, MEC Mmemezi said.
The Department of Local Government and Housing is closely monitoring the developments in Ramaphosa. Moreover, the Councillors and officials of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality are also engaging with the local stakeholders and leadership to resolve this matter.
These renewed attacks follow on the heels of those that took place also against foreign shop owners in Freedom Park, south of Johannesburg. However, the MEC has since stepped in to resolve the stalemate between local and foreign business owners. It was decided to close the shops until an investigation by the provincial government was concluded.
At least five (5) people were arrested for instigating violence against foreign business owners in Freedom Park. And the MEC reiterated that government will not hesitate to arrest those that instigate violence in Ramaphosa informal settlement.
For more information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
Eddie Mokoena
Cell: 083 602 5652
