BOPHELONG – Tensions flared in Bophelong on Thursday as a foreign-owned shop was set alight by a group of local business people.
The incident spread out following rumors circulating that foreign shop owners were planning a return to the area.
Scores of locals gathered around the targeted shop, fueling the blazes of discontent with each passing minute.
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The circumstance rapidly rose as the group [business people], fueled by outrage and disappointment, took matters into their own hands.
Dozens of burning tires were thrown inside the shop after breaking entry, guttering it to the ground.
Steel and correlated steel were looted by alleged drug users who sold them at local scrap yards, leaving only the walls of the bare-stripped shop.
In recent months, a series of meetings between locals and foreign shop owners played out in an attempt to find mutual ground on a solution to have them [foreigners] staying and operational.
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Several looting sprees, burning of vehicles, and damaging of infrastructure were witnessed, leaving the community divided.
Community leader and businessman, Thabiso Maphike shed light on the motives behind the violent act, stating that they were sending a message.
“Our community stands firm, united, and clear on the decision to chase foreign shop owners out of our kasi so that our people can run their economy,” he said.
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“We learned of the news that foreign shop owners are going to make their way back into our society last night [Wednesday] and we honestly thought it was just a rumour until we found some of the shops opened, being cleaned and seemingly awaiting stock,” he added.
Maphike said they are continuing to operate businesses in their area.
While many business people in the area support the decision to keep foreign locked out, the community remains divided.
