South Africa: Xenophobic violence leaves at least seven dead in Durban April 2

Event

Xenophobic violence targeting African immigrants have left at least seven people dead and hundreds others displaced in Durban since Friday, March 26. The violence took place in the suburbs of Kenville and Seacow Lake in the north of Durban as well as in Sydenham and Overport, just outside the city centre. Police have been deployed to quell the violence and as of Tuesday, April 2, calm has reportedly been restored in the affected areas. However, despite the heightened security presence, additional acts of violence are possible in Durban and surrounding areas 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 the Durban area 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.