South Africa: Further service delivery and anti-foreigner protests possible in Diepsloot, northern Johannesburg, through early July /update 2

Event

Further service delivery and anti-foreigner protests are possible in Diepsloot, a lower-income area of northern Johannesburg, through early July. Protests and related acts of civil unrest and minor arson that began overnight June 19-20 are against the high crime rate, which protesters allege is due to the high number of undocumented foreigners living in the area. While residents reportedly suspended protest activities pending the visit of President Cyril Ramaphosa, acts of unrest may resume without notice.

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 spill over outside Diepsloot.

Advice

Avoid Diepsloot. 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.