Identical acts of intimidation preceded last year's outbreak of xenophobic violence, and foreign traders living and working in informal settlements fear they may again be violently ejected from their homes.

Recently, there have been tensions between local and foreign traders who operate Spaza shops in parts of Gugulethu and Khayelitsha townships. Locals allege the foreign traders; mostly Somalis have the habit of selling items at a cheap price, thus attracting more buyers; a move that has infuriated them (locals). But a recent study released a few days ago by the City of Cape Town found that foreigners were professionally "more efficient".

The same study shows that local traders are upset as they feel that business was being snatched from them. However, an urgent meeting between Guguletu police and foreign and local business owners was set up for Monday to try to quell the tensions and avert another outbreak of violence.

“This is an act of cowardice,” said an infuriated Somali trader who pleaded anonymity. The same has been echoed by his counterparts who feel that locals should stop any acts of violence brought about by jealous.

“We are all here to work, not only for our good but for the good of all.”
On Sunday, Mncedisi Twalo, spokesperson for the Anti-Eviction Campaign, which has joined forces with local and foreign traders to try to ease tensions between the two groups, said "business rivalry" was again causing problems.

It is alleged that the warning letter was delivered to the Somalis anonymously and was very informal.

"The letter said that locals wanted the Somalis out of the area in seven days. There was no name on it, there was no letter head and it didn't say who it was from.

"It's the same old story. According to (the locals) the Somalis are taking over business in the area.

He said residents had seen someone in a white bakkie dropping off the letters and some of the Somali shopkeepers had managed to take down its registration number.

"We traced the (number plate) to a bakkie, but this was outside a business nothing like that run by the Somali or local traders."

Police has warned those behind the act saying that letters would be viewed as intimidation and they would face legal action.