SEVENTY-ONE people were arrested in Katlehong for sending intimidating letters to foreign-owned businesses, police said yesterday.
Lieutenant-Colonel Tshisikhawe Ndou said the arrests were made on Wednesday night after the notices were distributed giving foreign business owners seven days to vacate their premises.
The letter from "Greater Gauteng Business Forum" threatened drastic action against business owners who did not comply. It is dated April but does not state when the owners should leave.
"The Gauteng SA Police Service is in possession of the alleged letter and views it in a serious light," Ndou said.
He advised business owners who had received the letter to lay criminal charges.
The 71 people would appear in the Katlehong magistrate's court today.
The letter reads: "The occupier: You are kindly being notified from this day ___April 2011. You are being served with notice to close down your so called businesses, which in terms of the South African rules and regulations is illegal.
"You are hereby granted a period of 7 days to pack all your things and leave the area. Failure to abide by this humble request will result in drastic measures been taken against you.
"It is not xenophobia, we need no war, no negotiations. The same way you came in, you will and must do the same on your way out.
"Hoping you find this in order.
Chairperson........
Organiser........"
"Should it happen that people have received similar letters, they must come forward and the law will take its course," Ndou said.
Foreign businessmen told to get out or else ...
SEVENTY-ONE people were arrested in Katlehong for sending intimidating letters to foreign-owned businesses, police said yesterday.
Lieutenant-Colonel Tshisikhawe Ndou said the arrests were made on Wednesday night after the notices were distributed giving foreign business owners seven days to vacate their premises.
The letter from "Greater Gauteng Business Forum" threatened drastic action against business owners who did not comply. It is dated April but does not state when the owners should leave.
"The Gauteng SA Police Service is in possession of the alleged letter and views it in a serious light," Ndou said.
He advised business owners who had received the letter to lay criminal charges.
The 71 people would appear in the Katlehong magistrate's court today.
The letter reads: "The occupier: You are kindly being notified from this day ___April 2011. You are being served with notice to close down your so called businesses, which in terms of the South African rules and regulations is illegal.
"You are hereby granted a period of 7 days to pack all your things and leave the area. Failure to abide by this humble request will result in drastic measures been taken against you.
"It is not xenophobia, we need no war, no negotiations. The same way you came in, you will and must do the same on your way out.
"Hoping you find this in order.
Chairperson........
Organiser........"
"Should it happen that people have received similar letters, they must come forward and the law will take its course," Ndou said.
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