Byline: Levhuwani Matumba

17 September 2025

The Somali and Ethiopia shop owners rejected the suggestion that was adopted during the meeting held at Kinross Sasol Club this morning, 17 September 2025, that all foreign national shops in Embalenhle should be closed until Monday, 22 September 2025.

The meeting was attended by the Govan Mbeki First Organisation representatives, SAPS, Private Security Companies, and the shop owners.

It was aimed at finding a solution after an incident that happened on Saturday, 13 September 2025 in Ext 12 Embalenhle, whereby a shop owner shot a 28-year-old man, and the suspect is still at large.

Govan Mbeki First Organisation gave the foreign national 24 hours to hand over the suspect to the police, as they believed that they knew where he was hiding. The 24 hours have lapsed on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, at 6 pm.

During today’s meeting, leaders of Ethiopia and Somali communities said they do not know the whereabouts of the suspect.

“We do not know where he is hiding, but we have circulated his picture nationally within our groups so that should anyone see him, they should inform the nearest police to arrest him.

As the meeting continued, Mr Joseph Nkabinde, who was representing the GMF said that as an organisation, they suggested that all shops owned by foreign nationals in Embalenhle should be closed until Monday. “In that way, you will also be respecting the bereaved family”, said Nkabinde.

Station Commander for Embalenhle Police Station, Lt Kennel Khuselwa Matrose, raised the issue of security and said that if the shops are closed with no one inside, it might attract some criminality.

Mr Abdirizak Ali Osman, representing the Somali community, said they are also Africans and believe in mourning but they have perishable goods in their shops.

Mr Gracious Shabangu from GMF reiterated that the issue of shop safety remains the shop owners’ responsibility, and they should make sure that the security companies take care of it.

He further emphasized that the decision taken was only for Embalenhle shops, not other areas within Govan Mbeki Municipality.

Another shop owner raised his hand and requested that the GMF bear in mind that they are supporting their families with the income they get from these shops, so they cannot afford to close shops for so many days.

Mr Stolen Khanye from DAmading Risk Management and Tactical Response Unit raised a concern that the family of the suspect did not even attend the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned, and the shop owners stayed behind to have their own meeting, expecting to be joined by the councillor and the by-law enforcement officers.

As the awaited Councillor and By-law enforcement officers did not pitch, they decided to only close Ext 12 shops in Embalenhle and let shops in other sections remain open.

Listen to Seskhona Media voice interview with Mr Abdirizak Ali Osman, representing the Somali Community, and Mr Roba Mohammed Said, representing the Ethiopia Community.