Foreign-owned businesses in Relela now open again

BUSINESSES owned by foreigners that were closed two weeks ago following the outbreak of violence in Relela, have opened their doors for business again.

The businesses, mostly owned by nationals from Zimbabwe, India, Somalia and Ghana, were closed when hundreds of protesters went on the rampage forcing their way into stores and helping themselves to goods.

According to Mohammed Gulam, one of the foreign businessmen, they decided it was safe enough to open for business again, especially in light of the fact that people were being forced to travel over 25km to purchase their groceries in Tzaneen.

A leader of the Relela community who did not want to be identified for fear of victimisation, said they would try to ensure that the businessmen did not experience such violence again.

Tzaneen cluster police spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, said the police continued to monitor the situation and assured business owners that the police would maintain high visibility.