Alleged xenophobic attacks intensify in Durban

Vendors on Joseph Nduli and West streets packed their goods this afternoon, fearing their produce might also be taken.

This after a number of shops closed earlier today as looters started aiming for foreign-owned shops on Dr Goonam and Ingcuce roads in Durban. Police and Metro police are on the scene. No arrests have been made.

Xenophobic violence that started on the south coast of Durban and spread to the Durban city centre, also broke out in Shakas Head, near Ballito on Tuesday evening, North Coast Courier reported.

IPSS Medical Rescue’s Paul Herbst said locals were burning and looting Somali shops and Umhlali SAPS escorted foreigners out of the area under tense circumstances.

In KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal shops belonging to foreign nationals were looted and some burnt down.

Police said some of the roads were completely blockaded with burning tyres and stones.

More than 30 people have been arrested in KwaMashu since the incidents of violence against foreign nationals last week.

Those arrested would face charges of public violence, business robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

The violence started in Isipingo and has since spread to Chatsworth, Umlazi and other parts of Durban after locals said the foreign nationals should go back to their home countries.

KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni said more arrests are expected to be made regarding these attacks.

“We urge those who were injured during the attack to come forward and open cases so that they will be investigated. Our Public Order Police will still monitor and patrol those affected areas, including Umlazi, Isipingo and Chatsworth,” said Ngobeni.

– Caxton News Service