Municipality Calls for Calm After Spaza Shop Incident

Platinum Bushvelder newspaper | Thabazimbi – Following reports that a young boy was hospitalised after allegedly consuming a snack purchased from a spaza shop in Regorogile, Extension 6, tensions in parts of the community escalated, leading to incidents of violence and looting.

According to a statement published by Thabazimbi Local Municipality (TLM) on its Facebook page on 4 June 2026, ward councillors from Wards 9, 10 and 12, accompanied by two traffic officers, met with foreign-owned spaza shop owners following the incidents. 

The municipality stated that during the engagement, Ward 9 councillor Tumisang Pilane requested affected shop owners not to reopen their businesses immediately. According to TLM, a programme involving the Health Inspectorate was scheduled to take place, with only shops that comply with all applicable requirements and receive clearance being permitted to reopen. The municipality further stated that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is continuing its investigation into the incidents and will monitor the situation to maintain law and order.

According to the statement, community members were urged not to resort to violence, intimidation or unlawful actions, regardless of the circumstances. Mayor Andries Tshukudu reportedly echoed these sentiments, assuring shop owners of the municipality’s support and encouraging them not to become discouraged during the challenging period.

The municipality also requested shop owners to cooperate fully with Health Inspectors during the inspection process and encouraged all stakeholders to work together constructively to address concerns and promote peaceful coexistence within local communities.

Photo: From left: Cllr Tumisang Pilane, mayor Andries Tshukudu and Cllr Kiniki Sesoma during an engagement with spaza shop owners following recent incidents in the community.