It is business as usual for most parts of the Johannesburg East areas.
This is after xenophobic attacks intensified on Thursday, April 16, when many shops owned by foreigners were looted and vandalised.
Stones were also thrown at passing motorists and some shops, belonging to foreigners in Jules Street in Malvern, were broken into and looted.
The following day, Public Order Police officers had to fire rubber bullets to disperse a panga-wielding crowd next to Park Street in Jeppestown.
On Saturday night, the situation became worse as the attacks intensified in Malvern.
More shops were broken into and looted. Stones were thrown at foreign nationals.
The Cleveland SAPS communications officer, Constable Mpho Mashakane, said about 200 foreign nationals had to seek refuge at the police station that night.
“The group grew rapidly. At 10pm we had more than 200 people in the police hall. About 90 were women and children. Breast feeding mothers were there with their toddlers. Disoriented people, who did not know what would happen to their lives next, were pacing up and down in the hall,” said Const Mashakane.
She said police visibility was increased and members from different police units were called into the area to assist.
She added that no incidents have been reported since.
She said most of the displaced foreign nationals have since reintegrated into the community.
“The police presence and visibility will remain in the area until further notice. There will be operations conducted by all units in the area now and again,” she said.
On Tuesday, April 21, a joint operation was held between the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the SAPS. The operation targeted those living at the Jeppe Men’s Hostel. A firearm, live ammunition and drugs were among the items that were recovered during the raid.
One of the business owners along Malvern’s Jules Street, Mr Tim Haynes who is a Bedfordview resident, said he believes the attack on businesses had more to do with criminal activity than xenophobia.
“Myself, as well as other business owners, are born and bred in South Africa. Why would they attack our business if this was about fighting against foreign nationals who allegedly take away their jobs? It just does not make any sense,” said Mr Haynes.
Const Mashakane said most of the stores were operating on Friday.
“I can safely say that life in the area is getting back to normal now, but we will continue to monitor situation,” she said.
The Jeppe SAPS communications officer, Warrant Officer Richard Munyayi, said the situation was quiet but that the SAPS is still monitoring the area.
