Several shops owned by foreign nationals were looted
in Estcourt, a town in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, following growing
tensions over local government efforts to regulate undocumented foreign-owned
businesses.
Confirming the incident, provincial police
spokesperson Lt-Col Robert Netshiunda said six foreign-owned shops were
targeted during the unrest on Friday morning, May 29, 2026.
According to the police, no injuries were reported
during the incident, and calm has since been restored to the area.
Netshiunda stated that law enforcement authorities are
currently assessing the situation and conducting investigations into the
looting. He added that increased police visibility would be maintained to
prevent further disturbances.
Preliminary reports suggest that the unrest may be
linked to ongoing disputes surrounding a directive issued by Estcourt Mayor
Mduduzi Myeza, who had given undocumented foreign business owners a 21-day
deadline to leave the town.
The deadline reportedly expired on May 27, prompting
legal action from affected business owners who challenged the directive in
court earlier in the week.
Authorities believe the court case and the broader
debate over undocumented foreign-owned businesses may have contributed to
rising tensions between local residents and members of the foreign business
community.
In response to the situation, a meeting was scheduled
for Friday involving representatives from the mayor’s office, law enforcement
agencies, and the owners of the building where the affected shops are located.
The discussions are expected to focus on easing
tensions, promoting dialogue, and finding solutions to concerns raised by both
local residents and foreign business operators.
Police have assured residents that security measures
remain in place while investigations continue into the circumstances
surrounding the looting and the individuals responsible.
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