The Foschini group says it will claim at least R1-billion from its insurers for damages suffered during the violent riots and looting in July this year.

The group says the amount is also for business disruptions it suffered.

The clothing-retailer says the damage to its stores in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng is incredibly extensive.

A total of 198 of the group’s stores were looted and many were completely destroyed.

The company says the State’s short-term insurer, SASRIA, has already paid out R200-million.

This is about 30% of TFG’s claim.

The group’s total claim to SASRIA amounts to more than R600-million.