South Africa: Land protests continue May 28-29 /update 1

Event

Violent protests erupted overnight May 28-May 29 in the Mitchells Plain area of Cape Town to protest recent land appropriations. Protesters vandalized businesses after officials demolished informal structures built on private land in the Woodlands area. Further protests, potentially involving clashes between protesters and police, are likely.

Context

The South African Parliament voted in February to permit uncompensated land appropriations in favor of the black majority community, which has prompted protests across the country.

Advice

Individuals present in Cape Town and South Africa more generally are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution.