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

Confirming the incident, Robert Netshiunda said that six shops belonging to foreign nationals were affected, adding that calm had since been restored in the area.

He noted that no injuries were reported during the incident and assured residents that police were assessing the situation while maintaining a visible security presence.

According to Netshiunda, the looting appeared to be linked to tensions surrounding a legal dispute involving Mayor Mduduzi Myeza. The mayor had reportedly given undocumented foreign business owners a 21-day ultimatum to leave the town, with the deadline set to expire on May 27.

The affected business owners subsequently challenged the directive in court on May 26.

Netshiunda further disclosed that a meeting had been scheduled between the mayor’s office, the police, and the owners of the building housing the affected shops. The meeting is expected to address the growing tensions between local residents, foreign nationals, and government authorities.