JOHANNESBURG – KwaZulu-Natal police are on high alert as tensions heighten between local and foreign businessmen.

The Northern Region Business Association is giving foreign nationals until Thursday to close shop and leave the area.

The townships include include Inanda, KwaMashu and Ntuzuma.

READ: Shut your shops and leave, foreign nationals in KZN told

The association is accusing foreign nationals of unfair practices saying they are suffocating township economies.

But foreigners are dismissing this, saying the move is based on jealousy.

KZN Premier Willies Mchunu met with affected communities and is calling for calm.

eNCA