Chinese shopkeepers flee after mob attacks
SHOPKEEPERS have fled a Limpopo village following looting incidents sparked by the killing of a local man.
Violence erupted at Moletlane, near Zebediela, on Sunday after the death of Mpho Masemola.
He was allegedly stabbed to death by a Chinese shopkeeper.
It is alleged that Masemola, 23, entered the shop on Saturday afternoon smoking a cigarette.
The shopkeeper warned him not to smoke inside the shop and a fight broke out between the two. The shopkeeper then allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Masemola in the stomach.
Masemola died on the way to Magatle Hospital.
Yesterday, resident Dan Simango said it was good that the shopkeepers had left.
“Because we could no longer guarantee their safety after what they had done to us,” he said.
He said though the Chinese had operated shops in the area for some time, it was the first time that such an incident had happened.
“We have been living with these Chinese people for a long time and never thought they could take the life of one of our own. They must just go for good,” said Simango, 27.
News of Masemola ’ s death sparked mob attacks on Chinese-owned shops.
When Sowetan visited the village yesterday all four shops had been emptied, with only a few items scattered all over the place.
Police spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Ronel Otto said police conducted a late night raid on the homes of those who had been identified as having looted.
This resulted in 63 arrests and the recovery of some of the looted goods.
They will be charged with public violence and malicious damage to property.
The deceased ’ s uncle, Hans Masemola, said the family was still shocked by the death.
He said what was of grave concern was that Masemola had died on the same day the family was burying his grandfather.
“This is a double blow to the family. The killing of my nephew will remain in our minds for a very long time to come,” said the 36-year-old uncle.
Community leader Calvin Masoga called for calm, saying the killing of Masemola was no reason to spark xenophobic attacks.
Otto said no one was injured or killed during the looting incidents.
She said Masemola ’ s suspected killer was arrested and would appear in the Magatle Magistrate ’ s Court today.