One of the concerned residents says those who are looting at these shops are trying to use their plight for selfish reasons. 

The resident, Thato Motalingoana, spoke to OFM News and said those who are stealing from foreign-owned shops must face the might of the law. This after 13 shops were looted between Friday and Saturday, with stock looted estimated at R2 million. OFM News understands that more shops were looted again while the police in that area continued making arrests, which resulted in a further 21 residents, including 3 minors, being arrested.

On Monday, an owner of a small business, Rubel Islam, told OFM News that their businesses in that area were reeling from the effects caused by the sporadic violent protests in that area. 

Islam bemoaned the lack of security around their businesses and further made a plea to the government to ensure their businesses are protected during the protests. He added every year when there's a protest in the area, business owners, particularly foreign business owners, lose much of their stock due to the protests. 

Meanwhile, the police in the area continued with arrests on Monday. 

Several residents were arrested amidst protests which were ignited after planned Freedom Day Celebrations - previously set to be held in the area - were moved to Botshabelo outside Bloemfontein.

OFM News