ActionSA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Cllr Xolani Khumalo has accused the South African Police Service (SAPS) of granting illegal foreign spaza shop operators “undue access and influence” within policing processes after he allegedly encountered Ethiopian, Somali, and Bangladeshi nationals engaging with officers at Vosloorus Police Station during an active investigation linked to the Mazwi Kubheka case.
Khumalo said he visited the station on Wednesday, May 20, to request a briefing on the status of the investigation into Kubheka’s disappearance before proceeding to visit the 27-year-old businessman at the invitation of his family following his discharge from hospital.
However, Khumalo said he was left alarmed after encountering foreign nationals allegedly engaging with police officials as “purported stakeholders”.
“It is concerning that upon my arrival, I was confronted by Ethiopian, Somali, and Bangladeshi nationals who were engaging with police officials as purported stakeholders. This reflects the extent to which foreign interests are gaining undue access and influence within our law enforcement processes,” Khumalo said.
He further questioned the legitimacy of such engagement, arguing that police are effectively sidelining South African entrepreneurs while allowing foreign operators access to policing structures.
