Pakistani shop owner seeks refuge in Albertskroon

Frenzied mobs stormed into foreign owned shops in various Johannesburg townships, leaving sheer terror in the hearts of families and foreign businessmen.

“I have never been so scared in my life. There has been so much violence and people have died because of this. I am worried about my life and that of my family,” said Pakistani businessman Methu Alma, who is currently seeking refuge in Albertskroon.

Residents went on a rampage looting shops and attacking foreigners after a teenager was shot dead for an alleged looting in Snake Park by a foreign shop owner.

With a distraught and terrified voice, Alma retold the horrendous experience he endured on 20 January.

“I had a truck loaded with stock for my shop and people came in and started stealing sugar, washing powder and everything they could get their hands on,” he said.

Alma suffered a loss of about R40 000 in stock.

“When they looted the shop, they told the shopkeeper that if they come back and still find the shop operating, they will burn it down.”

Alma immediately moved what was left of his goods to his brother’s (Jamal Bhuyn) shop in Albertskroon but continued to sleep in his shop in Dobsonville.

“I am very scared to sleep here, but I have to because I have nine refrigerators in the shop and I am afraid if they are taken or burned, I will never be able to own a shop again.

As it is, my wife and two children are suffering because we don’t have money and we don’t have enough to eat.”

Although police reported the situation to be calm, Alma’s shop remains closed.

“I am waiting for the police and the government to tell us that we can open up shop again. Before that, I can’t because who knows what may happen.”

Alma said he is shocked that people he sells to would do such a thing. “I have had my shop for seven years and I offer a service. Sometimes people come and knock at 2am looking for pain killers or bread and I wake up and help them. I have never done anything wrong.”

Bhuyn said he is happy no incidents were reported in Albertskroon.

“I was afraid this could spread to us here, but at least it didn’t. This is a very good neighbourhood and the people here are very nice. When robberies happen here it is usually people from outside the area,” said Bhuyn.

Police arrested about 68 people in connection to the lootings.

What are your views on these recent events?