The incident took place at around 7:30pm.
It is believed that after setting the spaza shop alight, the suspects when to another foreign-owned shop across the street and began looting stock, cellular phone airtime and other items.
The looted shop’s owner, Mr Daishng Abiso, claimed the suspects also stole R10 000 from his store.
“I am still shocked that this happened. My brother couldn’t stop crying as he was the one inside the shop when it was looted. He opened the door and fled for his life,” said Mr Abiso.
He added that many people came to loot his store.
The owner of the spaza shop which was razed to the ground, Mr Bazuneh Tesfaye, said about four men came to his store to purchase cigarettes and airtime.
“I thought the men where leaving when I noticed two men pouring petrol over the floor in my shop. They set the petrol alight and fled the scene,” said Mr Tesfaye.
According to one resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of being victimised, the perpetrators have been planning to burn, steal from and attack foreign shops within Enhlanzeni Section.
“These people live at the Enhlanzeni Hostel,” he said.
Fire fighters were called to the scene to try and stop the blaze.
It is believed that while the store was still burning, some residents braved the flames to steal stock from the store.
The Tembisa North SAPS communications officer, Captain Manyadza Ralidzivha, said two cases of arson and business burglary were registered at the station.
“We are appealing for any information that could help lead to the arrest of the suspects,” he said.
