An eerie sense of silence could be felt on the streets of Estcourt yesterday and today and some business owners say, it’s pretty much the same. Speaking on condition of anonymity, some local business owners said that while most of the foreign-owned shops were closed this morning in anticipation of xenophobic looting or attacks, there was a sense of calm.

“Albert Street and the rank are very quiet. Even the hawkers on the sidewalk have left. We are just holding on and will wait and see what happens,” said an Albert Street businessman.

In Harding Street rows of stores remain closed and a businessman here strongly condemned the xenophobic attacks happening nationally. “Some foreigners are respected businessmen and pay taxes, they contribute to our economy and are part of the community. We can’t paint everyone with the same brush,” he said.

The businessman, whose staff includes foreign nationals, says that he sent staff home yesterday amid fears of victimisation. In Alexandra Street, the many clothing, hair and cell phone shops also remain closed. A business owner said that he had heard rumours of an assault yesterday but emphasised that locals should not be influenced by the “stories” that are going around.

“Some businesspeople had a meeting last night and we were told that the municipality would help set up tents at Lambert Park if the situation gets out of control,” he added. It is alleged that a case of a xenophobic attack was reported yesterday, April 16, though police communication officers will not confirm the report.