ESTCOURT — Relative calm has returned to Estcourt following a spate of looting that targeted foreign national-owned businesses, though many shop owners have kept their premises closed amid ongoing fears of victimization and threats from local residents.
Foreign national business operators report receiving threats demanding they return to their countries of origin. In response to the unrest, several have chosen to keep their shops shuttered as a precautionary measure.
Law enforcement agencies responded swiftly to the looting incidents, which affected approximately ten shops across the town—eight in the central business district and two on the outskirts. Their intervention has helped restore order, though tensions remain palpable.
A local shop owner, who has operated in Estcourt for roughly two decades, confirmed his business remains closed until the 24th. He described an attempted break-in at his shop around 4:00 a.m., which was thwarted when an alarm system activated. “They tried around half past two, still trying, trying, and around 5:00 they pushed the door. When they came inside, the alarm went on and they ran away,” the owner said. He added that he has shared video footage of the incident with authorities.
The owner emphasized his longstanding commitment to the community, noting that he has trained local residents in cell phone repair and software services. “I’m supporting people’s rights… I’m teaching guys and ladies, and they are doing well in their businesses. When people need help, I help them,” he stated.
While some shops have partially reopened, many operators are exercising heightened caution. Doors are not fully open, and owners remain on alert, prepared to secure their premises quickly if needed. One resident reported being unable to collect a television set purchased prior to the looting, underscoring the disruption caused to consumers.
The unrest follows a controversial directive issued by the Mayor of Estcourt, who ordered foreign national shop owners to vacate their premises and confiscated shop keys. The Mayor also posted on social media calling for foreign nationals to leave the town within a 21-day period.
In response, a group of affected business owners filed an urgent application at the Pietermaritzburg High Court. They are seeking a court order compelling the Mayor to return confiscated keys and to remove the social media post calling for foreign nationals to depart.
Despite the tensions, weekend commercial activity has continued in parts of the town, with some residents carrying on with routine shopping. Authorities remain deployed in the area as community leaders and law enforcement work to sustain the restored calm.
