South Africa

Wave of anti-immigrant violence in South Africa leads to 22 dead

Article published on the 2008-05-19 Latest update 2008-05-19 14:01 TU

A Zimbabwean taking refuge with his belongings at a police station in Alexandra township.
(Photo : AFP)

Anti-immigrant violence in the townships of Johannesburg has spread, leaving 22 people dead in the past week. Foreigners, mostly from Zimbabwe and Mozambique, have sought shelter in community centres and police stations after roaming gangs of youths attacked immigrants, setting some alight and forcing others to flee from burning shacks.

The mobs accuse of the immigrants of taking their jobs and of criminal activity.

Since the beginning of last week, foreigners have been targeted by mobs carrying machetes and guns. The bulk of the immigrants to South Africa in recent years are from neighbouring Zimbabwe.

Up to three million Zimbabweans have fled dire economic conditions and the political crisis at home.

The Paris-based group, Doctors Without Borders, says the situation in the townships leaves an "impression of not being handled properly". 

"Nobody called them refugees ... The [Zimbabweans] are coming in great numbers," Eric Goemaere, coordinator for the humanitarian group, Doctors Without Borders in Johannesburg, told RFI.  "More and more ... because they are fleeing political violence and they do not benefit from either the status of refugee or proper assistance or protection,"

South African President Thabo Mbeki and the leader of the ruling African National Congress, Jacob Zuma, have condemned the wave of attacks.