South Africa: Xenophobic violence in Johannesburg September 1-2

Event

Xenophobic violence targeting immigrant-owned shops has flared in Johannesburg and its surroundings between Sunday, September 1, and Monday, September 2, resulting in the death of at least three people. The attacks began on Sunday morning (local time) in the Jeppestown area of Johannesburg when a building was set ablaze by an angry mob. The mob also looted several shops suspected to be owned by foreign nationals. The looting continued until Monday, September 2; one person was reportedly shot as violence spread in the Central Business District. Massive protests against foreign nationals were also held throughout Johannesburg on Monday.

Police have reportedly been deployed to halt the looting of the stores and to quell the violence. Despite the heightened security presence, additional incidents of looting and associated acts of violence are possible in Johannesburg in the coming days.

Context

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 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.