Tensions reportedly boiled over in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, after six shops owned by foreign nationals were allegedly looted by community members in what appears to be a protest linked to growing frustrations over a legal dispute involving undocumented migrants.
According to reports, members of the community are allegedly angered by claims that foreign nationals had taken the mayor to court, resulting in an order preventing him from interfering with their businesses.
The matter centres around an interdict granted against the Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality and Mayor Mduduzi Myeza, which reportedly prevents the municipality from evicting undocumented migrants from shops they occupy.
The court order also allegedly bars the mayor from approaching the affected shops, escalating tensions within the community.
The unrest comes as a meeting had reportedly been scheduled for today involving Mayor Myeza, foreign nationals operating the shops, and landlords who rent out premises to them, in an effort to address the growing dispute.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether any arrests have been made in connection with the alleged looting or the extent of the damage caused to the businesses.
Authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely amid concerns of further unrest.
