04 Sep 2019 | 08:45 AM UTC
South Africa: At least five killed in xenophobic violence in Johannesburg and Pretoria since September 1 /update 1
High tensions in Johannesburg and Pretoria following xenophobic violence September 1-3; police deployed to quell violence
Event
Tensions remain high in Johannesburg and Pretoria as of Wednesday, September 4, following a spate of xenophobic violence, which started on Sunday, September 1. South African police are patrolling central Johannesburg and have arrested at least 86 people in connexion with recent violence in which five people were killed. On Tuesday, police used rubber bullets to deter several assailants gathered to loot immigrant-owned shops.
Despite a heightened security presence, additional incidents of looting and associated acts of violence, along with protests to denounce the violence, are possible in the coming days.
Context
Xenophobic violence targeting immigrant-owned shops (looting, fire, stones throwing, etc.) has flared in Johannesburg and Pretoria between September 1-3.
High unemployment in South Africa has stoked local anti-immigrant resentment, as immigrants are blamed for taking jobs that could employ native South Africans and for participating in criminal activity.
Advice
Individuals in Johannesburg and Pretoria are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and sites of civil unrest as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
