South Africans loot shops owned by foreign nationals (videos)

Several shops owned by foreign nationals were looted in Estcourt, the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, South Africa on Friday morning, May 29, 2026.

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Provincial spokesperson Lt-Col Robert Netshiunda, who confirmed the incident said that “six shops owned by foreign nationals” were looted and calm has been restored in the area. 

He added that no injuries were reported.

“Police are assessing the situation for further investigations and police visibility will be maintained in the area.”

He said the looting apparently took place in response to foreigners who took Mayor Mduduzi Myeza to court after Myeza gave undocumented foreign national business owners a 21-day deadline to leave the town. 

The deadline was due to end on Wednesday, May 27.

The complainants took the Myeza matter to court on Monday, May 26.

Netshiunda said a meeting had been arranged for Friday afternoon between Myeza’s office, police and the owners of the building which houses the looted shops.

The meeting will attempt to deal with tensions between locals, foreigners and the authorities.