ESTCOURT, KwaZulu-Natal — Order has been reestablished in Estcourt after violent looting targeted foreign national-owned businesses, yet many shop operators continue to keep their doors shut due to persistent safety concerns and intimidation.
Foreign business owners in the area report ongoing threats from community members urging them to return to their home countries. As a precaution, numerous shops remain closed despite the restored security presence.
Approximately ten shops were looted during the unrest—eight located in the town center and two on the periphery. Rapid deployment of law enforcement personnel helped quell the violence, though an atmosphere of caution persists among merchants.
A local shop owner, who has lived and worked in Estcourt for about 20 years, stated his business will stay closed until the 24th. He recounted an attempted break-in at his premises around 4:00 a.m., which was interrupted when his 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,” he explained, adding that he forwarded video evidence of the incident to authorities.
The owner highlighted his integration into the local economy, noting he has provided skills training to community members in cell phone repair and software maintenance. “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 said.
While a number of establishments have resumed limited operations, many proprietors are maintaining a defensive posture. Shops are opening only partially, with owners positioned to secure their premises immediately should tensions escalate. One customer reported being unable to retrieve a television set purchased before the looting, illustrating the ripple effects on local consumers.
The disturbances followed a directive from the Mayor of Estcourt ordering foreign national shop owners to vacate their businesses and surrendering shop keys to authorities. The Mayor also published a social media post calling for foreign nationals to depart the town within a 21-day timeframe.
In response, affected business owners submitted an urgent application to the Pietermaritzburg High Court. They are requesting a judicial order requiring the Mayor to return confiscated keys and to remove the Facebook post demanding foreign nationals leave the area.
Despite the underlying tensions, weekend commerce has persisted in sections of Estcourt, with residents continuing routine shopping activities. Law enforcement remains visible in the community as local leaders and authorities collaborate to maintain the fragile peace.