More than 100 people from other parts of Africa living in an informal settlement in Knysna sought refuge at the town's police station on Thursday night after five Somali-owned spaza shops were looted.
Although none of the foreigners living in Witlokasie had been attacked or received threats, they felt at risk, police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said.
Police and council officials met them last night to try to ease their fears.
They were given accommodation in a community hall.
Police reinforcements were sent to Witlokasie and neighbouring police stations placed on standby.
Earlier on Thursday, after the first spaza shop was looted, a handful of Somalis gathered at the Knysna police station.
Hours later the number had grown to about 120 and included people from countries other than Somalia, Pojie said.
"We're just trying to calm the situation now. We're also urging the community please not to continue with such actions."
A Somali-owned shop had been looted about 11.40am and one of two shopkeepers slightly injured in a scuffle, Pojie said.
It was not clear who had looted the shop or whether a mob was responsible. By nightfall, five Somali shops had been looted.
Pojie believed a number of others might have been plundered, without being reported.
Foreigners in the area had begun making their way to the police station.
When their numbers increased, they were told the hall would be available to them.
"Some of the (shopkeepers) emptied their shops and took all their goods with them. I'm not sure if more will arrive, but it seems these are most of Witlokasie's (foreigners)." - Cape Times
Although none of the foreigners living in Witlokasie had been attacked or received threats, they felt at risk, police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said.
Police and council officials met them last night to try to ease their fears.
They were given accommodation in a community hall.
Police reinforcements were sent to Witlokasie and neighbouring police stations placed on standby.
Earlier on Thursday, after the first spaza shop was looted, a handful of Somalis gathered at the Knysna police station.
Hours later the number had grown to about 120 and included people from countries other than Somalia, Pojie said.
"We're just trying to calm the situation now. We're also urging the community please not to continue with such actions."
A Somali-owned shop had been looted about 11.40am and one of two shopkeepers slightly injured in a scuffle, Pojie said.
It was not clear who had looted the shop or whether a mob was responsible. By nightfall, five Somali shops had been looted.
Pojie believed a number of others might have been plundered, without being reported.
Foreigners in the area had begun making their way to the police station.
When their numbers increased, they were told the hall would be available to them.
"Some of the (shopkeepers) emptied their shops and took all their goods with them. I'm not sure if more will arrive, but it seems these are most of Witlokasie's (foreigners)." - Cape Times
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