At least two persons have been confirmed injured in renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The attacks, according to Nigerian sources, began few hours ago when armed protesters stormed the streets of Johannesburg demanding the departure of foreigners.
It was gathered the protests, which led to attacks, started in the Yeovile area in central Johannesburg with the identities of the injured foreigners yet unknown.
Meanwhile, South African newspaper, Sowetan Live, reports reported earlier before the protest began that the protesters, who carried weapons such as knobkerries, were waiting to be addressed by Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a notable politician and Zulu tribe leader. The protesters, who were said to be residents of hostels in eastern Johannesburg, marched on Sunday along Jules Street in the area.
Sowetan Live reports that Siphiwe Mhlongo, chairman of hostel headmen (izinduna) in Gauteng, said South African nationals are angry at jobs being taken by foreign nationals, unhappy about drugs and RDP houses being owned by foreigners.
“Everyone who is in South Africa has that feeling that foreign nationals must go back home. But we don’t say foreign nationals must be beaten up; we are leaders,” he said.
Local sources however said: “African foreigners from different countries have come out ready to stand together and fight the citizens.”
See the videos of the protesters mobilizing below.
