South Africa: Further service delivery and anti-foreigner protests likely in Diepsloot, northern Johannesburg, through late June /update 1

Event

Further service delivery and anti-foreigner protests are likely in Diepsloot, a lower-income area of northern Johannesburg, through late June. The action is against the high crime rate, which protesters allege is due to the high number of undocumented foreigners living in the area; protesters are demanding action from authorities. Reports suggest the protest began overnight June 19-20, with acts of civil unrest and minor arson.

Heightened security is likely in the area in the coming days. Security will likely deploy to quell any unrest that materializes; clashes between protesters and the police are possible if demonstrators ignore police orders to disperse or engage in acts of public violence. Road travel disruptions and delays stemming from potential blockades are possible along the N14 should the unrest spillover outside of Diepsloot.

Advice

Avoid the area. Make use of alternative routes if traveling in the area. Do not drive through protest roadblocks that may materialize. Heed the advice of security personnel. Allow additional time to reach destinations near the affected area.