ActionSA condemns alleged firearm threat at Delmas protest, Ethiopian shop owner implicated

According to The Citizen, ActionSA’s Mpumalanga leadership has condemned an alleged firearm intimidation incident during an anti‑immigration protest in Delmas that reportedly involved an Ethiopian spaza shop owner and a party regional leader.

What was reported

The Citizen reports that an Ethiopian spaza shop owner reportedly pointed a firearm at Nkangala regional leader Sibonelo Sibiya after a protest in Delmas. The incident is said to have occurred following an anti‑immigration protest.

Party response

ActionSA’s Mpumalanga leader Mary Phadi condemned the alleged intimidation.

“We condemn this behaviour. We are calling on these foreigners to go back home,”

The Citizen attributes the quote to Phadi. The Citizen also reports Phadi saying:

“It is very clear the government is not able to manage the influx of foreigners and those foreigners are now showing our government that all their systems are failing.”

Legal follow-up

The Citizen states that Warada Jenna Guye is expected to appear in the Delmas Magistrate’s Court for a formal bail application.

Broader context reported

The Citizen reports that protests led by Ngizwe Mchunu and Nkosikhona Ndabandaba have prompted some African countries to begin repatriating people, and that protest leaders announced undocumented foreign nationals must leave the country by 30 June.

Reaction from diaspora group

The Citizen quotes Bongani Mkwananzi, spokesperson for the African Diaspora Forum, condemning the alleged firearm intimidation.

“Any act of violence, threats, coercion, or criminal conduct, regardless of who is responsible, is condemned. Such behaviour is unacceptable, undermines the rule of law and has no place in a democratic society,”

The Citizen attributes the quote to Mkwananzi. The Citizen also reports Mkwananzi saying:

“Every person has the right to live free from fear, intimidation and violence. If the allegations are confirmed, those responsible must face the law.”