Somali Spaza Shops in Cape Town Resume Business After Tense Gang Truce

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AX) — After a two-day hiatus marked by protests against rampant extortion, Somali-run spaza shops in Khayelitsha’s Site C township reopened on Friday. The decision to shut down wasn’t made lightly; local traders felt compelled to act as the threat from gangs escalated to levels that were simply unbearable.

Imagine a community reliant on small, informal shops for daily essentials, which suddenly find themselves devoid of those crucial resources. June 11 and 12 felt particularly bleak for many residents, as closures left them scrambling for affordable food and basic goods. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about survival. As one resident poignantly remarked, “Even kids couldn’t buy chips. We had to leave Site C just to buy bread or sugar.” Can you envision the frustration of a child hoping for a small treat, only to be met with closed doors?

The situation has deteriorated significantly since earlier this year. Somali traders report that, shortly after a notorious gang leader named Bhara was released from prison, extortion demands spiked dramatically. One shopkeeper shared the harrowing revelation that he had paid a staggering R85,000 to Bhara’s group alone—only to find himself confronted by a third faction demanding additional payments. In the world of small business, where margins are thin and risks are high, this is alarming.

“When we said we’re already paying others, they said, ‘We don’t care. We want our money,’” recounted a trader, who preferred to remain anonymous out of fear for his safety. “Those who can’t pay are targeted. In the past two weeks alone, four shopkeepers have been shot.” Can we really accept this as normal? The fear permeating the community is palpable.

Spaza shops, those small, informal convenience stores, are crucial to the socioeconomic fabric of townships like Khayelitsha. Typically staffed by immigrants—especially from Somalia—they supply affordable items in neighborhoods that are often neglected by larger retailers. Yet, these same traders are frequently victims of xenophobic violence, looting, and increasingly aggressive extortion efforts. As civil society groups have long pointed out, there is an urgent need for better protection for immigrant traders and more proactive policing in these vulnerable areas.

Following the protests, many shopkeepers resumed operations after being approached by representatives of the very gangs that had threatened them. “They begged us to open. They said the heat was too much, and they would address our concerns,” one trader said. However, he remained skeptical of their promises: “But they don’t live ekasi. They stay in the suburbs and just send boys to collect money.”

A local figure, Ward 87 Councillor Khayalethu Kama, expressed his intent to meet with Somali business owners to grasp the full scope of these threats. Engaging in dialogue is imperative, but will conversations alone lead to significant change?

Lt. Malcolm Pojie from the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that reinforcements had been dispatched to the area in an attempt to curb gang-related activities. “We’ve made several arrests related to extortion cases, and some suspects are currently in custody,” he reported. “But we urge all victims to come forward.”

While the spaza shops may have resumed operations, the underlying tension lingers. Shopkeepers expressed valid concerns that gangs might return with new demands or threats. “We’re just trying to survive,” one shopkeeper admitted, casting a worried glance around his store. The fear of having to shut down again looms large, and some traders worry it might be for good. What does that say about our societal structures? Are we asking too much of individuals simply trying to make a living?

The resilience demonstrated by these traders is commendable, but it brings to light broader issues surrounding safety, community support, and the vital role these shops play in everyday life. When you think about it, how often do we take for granted our ability to purchase goods without fear? The plight of these spaza shops serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in community dynamics and the urgent need for collective empathy and action.

As we reflect on this situation, it’s essential to consider: how can we support our local communities better? Perhaps it’s time for us to advocate for change, not just for the traders but for everyone struggling to make a living amid adversity. Only together can we foster an environment where small businesses thrive rather than merely survive.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring