Police say vigilantism, lawlessness won't be tolerated after deaths of 5 children in Naledi

JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng police have taken a tough stance on incidents of vigilantism in Soweto following the death of five children in Naledi.

The children died on Sunday after consuming snacks from a local spaza shop.

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While autopsy results are yet to be concluded, community members in the area believe poor safety and compliance by the shop owners are to blame for the tragedy.

In the wake of the tragedy, community members stormed some foreign-owned businesses in the area, including looting the store that sold the chips to the five children.

Following Tuesday’s tensions, acting provincial police commissioner, Fred Kekana, said that law enforcement would keep a close watch on the situation.

"What I would like to highlight is that lawlessness, vigilantism, and criminality are things which will not be tolerated."