A video posted by a shopper has raised concerns about an incident involving members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK Party), who allegedly reported blocking shoppers from entering the Hobart SPAR Supermarket in Bryanston.

In the video, a woman can be heard in the background explaining that members of the uMkhonto weSizwe were stationed at the supermarket’s entrance. They appeared to line up alongside shopping trolleys, effectively obstructing customers’ entry.

Further information gathered by a journalist, Ditiro Masuku, at the store is that the members temporarily shut down the store after an incident on February 5 when a staff member died.

According to the party’s representative Bafana Mthembu, he died in a lift at his workplace. It is unclear how he died and that is why they protested.

He said, what even made them angry was that the supermarket had allegedly shown a concerning lack of empathy and remorse towards Daniel’s family, instead, it was business as usual.

“We want justice…the store needs to take responsibility because the way they act is if is as if they are hiding something…We want answers. We were told that there is CCTV footage which we would like to see so that we can get the answers we need. We would also like to see the lift in which he died.”

The situation quickly escalated, prompting the arrival of police officers and bouncers, who intervened to diffuse the rising tensions.

When asked for comment at the scene, the management declined to speak, “I will not speak to the media but to residents. If they allow you to our brief meeting with them, I will simply not say anything.”

The Sandton Chronicle reached out to SAPS spokesperson, Jeff Phora, for a comment on the incident, but was unable to get a response.

An update will be provided as soon as a full statement from the SAPS is obtained.

The store manager has confirmed that business has now carried on as usual until 19:00.

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