ESTCOURT, KwaZulu-Natal – At least eight shops owned by foreign nationals were ransacked in Estcourt’s central business district, with looters making off with furniture, cellphones, clothing, shoes, and other merchandise. The attacks occurred shortly after the Pietermaritzburg High Court issued an order directing Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality mayor Mduduzi Myeza to return keys confiscated from 38 foreign shop owners following anti-foreigner protests in April.
According to legal representatives for the affected shop owners, the looting took place in the early afternoon as crowds entered multiple businesses. Visual evidence from the scene showed remnants of a clothing store, including mannequins, bag straps, and scattered footwear. Notably, witnesses reported that shops owned by South African citizens in the same area were not targeted during the unrest.
The court order, granted one day prior to the looting, ruled in favor of the 38 applicants, directing that their business keys be returned and that they be allowed immediate access to their premises. The order also restrained Mayor Myeza and his associates from intimidating, harassing, or damaging property belonging to the applicants. Legal representatives for the mayor confirmed that the confiscated keys had been returned prior to the shops reopening on the morning of the attacks.
A lawyer representing several of the foreign national shop owners outlined the severe impact of the prolonged closures. “They have not been able to earn a living,” he stated, noting that many of the business owners have families and young children and have resided in the Estcourt community for over two decades. He added that the loss of stock, inability to secure their premises, and accumulated unpaid rent could expose them to further civil legal action.
The legal representative emphasized that all applicants his office represents are legally documented to operate in South Africa. “Proper checks can take place after whatever order has been granted,” he said, urging that any verification processes involve the appropriate officials and follow due legal procedure.
While the court order specifically addressed shops closed since the April demonstrations, reports indicate that some businesses that had remained operational during the interim were also among those looted. This suggests the unrest affected a broader range of foreign-owned enterprises beyond those directly involved in the legal dispute.
At the time of reporting, no police presence was visible in the affected area, though private security guards were stationed to monitor the scene. Community members and business representatives expressed concern that further looting could occur if security measures are not strengthened.
Mayor Myeza has not issued a public statement regarding the latest incidents. The Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality has been contacted for comment on steps being taken to protect businesses and enforce the High Court’s ruling.
