Johannesburg - Several shops owned by foreign nationals were looted and three burned down in Petrus Steyn, Free State police said on Tuesday.
Spokesman Sgt Mmako Mophiring said the violence started after a section of the community held a meeting on Monday in Mamafubedu township. It was not clear what the meeting was about.
”A group is said to have left after the meeting and went to a shop co-owned by a local woman and a foreign national. An altercation ensued and a man slapped the woman, she then grabbed a sharp object and hit the man, injuring him,” said Mophiring.
The group went to the police and opened a case of assault against the woman.
The shops were attacked and looted immediately after the group dispersed, he said.
”The shops, mostly owned by Somalis were looted overnight. Three others were burned down.”
Police arrested 11 people on charges of theft and public violence.
”The four women and seven men will appear in the Petrus Steyn Magistrate’s Court soon. The situation is calm this morning [Tuesday], police are out monitoring the area,” Mophiring said.
ANA