Mozambican refuses to give away her salon amid anti-migrant tensions

A Mozambican woman allegedly destroyed her own hair salon after reportedly being told by members of the March and March Movement to shut down the business and return to Mozambique.

The incident, which has been widely circulated on social media, reportedly unfolded after the woman was confronted over operating her business.

According to witnesses, the salon owner became enraged and began smashing furniture, salon equipment and other property inside the premises, declaring that no one else would benefit from the business she had established.

Witnesses further alleged that the woman demanded R100,000 before she would agree to vacate the premises. When the demand was allegedly not met, she reportedly turned her anger on the salon, causing extensive damage to equipment and fittings.

The full extent of the damage has not been independently verified, and it remains unclear whether the incident has been reported to police.

The alleged incident comes amid heightened tensions surrounding foreign-owned businesses in parts of South Africa, where anti-migrant sentiment has intensified in recent weeks. Several migrant-owned businesses have reportedly faced pressure to close, relocate or cease operations as community groups call for stricter enforcement against undocumented immigrants.

The incident has generated widespread debate on social media, with users expressing sharply divided opinions. Some condemned the destruction of the business and the pressure reportedly placed on foreign nationals, while others argued that disputes over immigration and informal trading require government intervention rather than confrontation.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, and the allegations remain subject to verification.