18 Oct 2024 | 10:27 AM UTC
South Africa: Further incidents of civil unrest possible in areas of Gauteng Province through late October /update 1
Further incidents of civil unrest possible against foreign-owned shops in areas of Gauteng Province, South Africa, through late October.
Further protests, bouts of civil unrest, and violence are possible in areas of Gauteng Province through late October. Protests erupted in Sharpeville on Oct. 16 and continued on Oct. 17 following the alleged shooting of a South African shopkeeper. Mobs were attempting to target and loot foreign-owned businesses in retaliation, with minor acts of arson reported. A demonstrator was reported killed in the violence. Police arrested eight individuals.
Similar protests are possible in Sharpeville and areas of Gauteng Province, especially in Soweto near Johannesburg, leading to increased security. Localized travel disruptions near protest movements are also likely in the event of protests. Opportunistic looters may target stationary vehicles, including both private and cargo transport vehicles. Clashes between rival mobs or with security forces are possible. Foreign nationals may also be targeted by demonstrators. If not contained, unrest could spread to neighboring communities.
Sharpeville is located approximately 55 km (34 miles) southwest of central Johannesburg.
Avoid all related protests due to possible clashes. Consider avoiding traveling along affected routes until the situation stabilizes. Reconfirm the status of roads before departure. Do not drive through roadblocks until officials have cleared them. Heed the instructions of authorities.
High levels of unemployment and poverty have exacerbated anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa, particularly in low-income areas. In recent years, various cycles of protests and acts of violence have occurred; these have typically targeted migrants from neighboring Southern African states seeking employment opportunities in South Africa. Nationals of South-Asian origin are also likely targets. The presence of large numbers of both legal and illegal migrants has increased tensions, particularly in low-income areas where competition for employment is high.
The current spate of tensions was sparked by a series of food poisoning cases affecting children in Soweto in early October. At least six children have died. While officials have not confirmed any cause, local communities have blamed foreign shopkeepers for selling expired goods.
