A blaze: The Yeoville market in Johannesburg was badly damaged after a fire broke out in the building. Some people suspect arson. Photo: James Puttick
A fire that ripped through a market in Yeoville, Johannesburg, on Tuesday morning has been blamed on xenophobia, with some devastated traders laying the blame squarely at the feet of Operation Dudula.
But Nhlanhla Lux, who founded the vigilante group, vehemently denies the accusation, and that should the fire have been caused by arson, the perpetrators must “face the might of the law”.
The market, with more than 100 stalls, is a gathering spot for people, particularly those from West Africa, who daily ply their trade in fresh produce, clothing, sculptures and electronic components.
Mommie Kange, a Zimbabwean trader, said she had to watch helplessly as her small fresh produce business was gutted. Her rent was due next week, she said, and she had now lost her only source of income.
Clutching bunches of spinach covered in ashes, Kange said: “I have five children, the oldest is 20 and the youngest is 11 years old. I have been selling at the market since 2012. We are not protected in this country. We are suffering [and our children suffer too].”
Jean Bwasa, the former spokesperson for the South African Congolese community and a human rights activist, said the alleged torching of the market was “a disgrace” and that the alleged arsonists targeting the popular venue on World Refugee Day left a bitter taste in the mouth.
“This is a market that accommodates women and mothers that have families of young children. These migrants and refugees from our communities send money home. So we are not just looking at [disruptions to the lives of] the people who are living here, but also people that are helping and assisting families,” said Bwasa.
“This is a violation of human rights. It is very important that the South African government and leaders take cognisance that this is unacceptable, and it is a disgrace to call ourselves Africans while we are destroying other people’s lives,” he said.
The cause of the fire is not yet known but residents have said that it should be treated as arson.
A witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he saw two men approach the market with bottles of paraffin, throw them at the stalls and then run off when the fire started.
Fabian Kalombo, the spokesperson for the South African Congolese community, said residents believed the fire was an attack by Operation Dudula members, who recently threatened stall owners.
“Nobody can say this is an accident, this was well planned and organised. Based on the threats we have received from Operation Dudula, we are sure that this fire was initiated by them,” said Kalombo.
On Saturday, 11 June, posts about Operation Dudula members closing down the Yeoville market circulated on social media. But when placard-carrying members of the group arrived, police officers were already at the venue, and people continued trading.
Despair: Mommie Kange stands amid the burnt remains of her stall at the Yeoville market. Photo: James Puttick
Kalombo said he saw Operation Dudula members outside the Yeoville recreation centre on that day, dressed in camouflage pants, caps and with the words Operation Dudula emblazoned on their white T-shirts. He said they were chanting that the market should be “reclaimed”.
“We are taking the next step to lodge a complaint against the South African government,” said Kalombo.
“This is not normal, in our day and age, to have such treatment. It is intolerable, and meanwhile we are called to be African with African [unity] while the livelihoods of Africans are at risk. Our people are not safe.”
Lux scoffed at allegations that Operation Dudula members had torched the market. He said that “anyone” who doesn’t operate within the boundaries of the law, should face the might of the law.
“[If this was arson] those responsible must be arrested, they are criminals,” he said.
As for Kalombo saying that the alleged perpetrators were wearing Operation Dudula-branded clothing, Lux said: “T-shirts are free. I have seen homeless people dressed in official attire. I put the law first because this is a country with laws. We are not a banana republic.”
Brian Phaaloa, the spokesperson for the Yeoville market, said he was awaiting footage from CCTV cameras to confirm the cause of the fire.
He said that a support initiative had been put in place. Each trader not affected by the fire had donated R30 a day until Thursday to those affected by the blaze. Rebuilding efforts would also see non-affected traders donate R100.
Warrant Officer Wiseman Gogotyi, of the Yeoville police station, said the cause of the fire remained unknown but CCTV footage from street cameras and an adjacent supermarket would be used to assist the police in their investigations.
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