Police deployed to Alex as tensions rise after girl dies after eating spaza shop snacks

JOHANNESBURG - Police have been deployed to Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, to contain escalating tensions after the tragic death of a 10-year-old girl who allegedly consumed snacks from a local spaza shop.

On Saturday, the young girl reportedly bought a packet of chips from a nearby trader. 

Shortly after eating them at home, she complained of breathing difficulties and, despite efforts to assist her, succumbed to what community members believe was poisoning from the snacks.

On Sunday morning, outraged community members gathered outside the shop, attempting to confiscate and destroy stock stored in the shop’s container.

The crowd has grown increasingly volatile, with some individuals forcibly breaking into the shop, removing items they suspect are contaminated, and packing them into black plastic bags with the intent to destroy them.

The community in Alexandra is visibly distressed, and frustrations are mounting. 

Residents are taking matters into their own hands, particularly concerned by what they see as insufficient action from city authorities. 

They’ve pointed out that the shop encroaches onto the main road, which is a by-law violation, yet remains unaddressed.

Dozens of additional police officers have arrived and the situation remains tense and unpredictable.