AS TENSIONS FLARED in South Africa, two more people said to be foreign nationals havebeen killed in the first wave of xenophobic violence in the South Africa since the 2008 killings.
Several incidents have been reported in and around the city of Durban, with police stating they have arrested 17 people and opened murder cases.
One Somali shopkeeper is currently fighting for his life since Thursday after he was attacked by residents who raided shops owned by foreigners. More than 300 people from DR-Congo, Malawi, Burundi, and Zimbabwe have fled their homes in the last 7 days.
The rioting followed comments by Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, form KwaZulu-Natal who criticised the presence of immigrants in South Africa, statements which he has denied.
The Home Affairs Ministry is holding discussions with residents of not only Durban, but also Isipingo, KwaZulu-Natal following the forced evictions of foreigners in the areas.
Police spokesperson Maj Thulani Zwane said police do not know exactly how many people have been killed, but that some were South African nationals and some were foreigners.
Minister Malusi Gigaba has apologised to foreign nationals who’ve been left destitute following the xenophobic attacks.
Last week, more than 200 people were forced to take refuge in a safety camp after they were violently evicted by locals.
Community members are reportedly accusing them of threatening their job security.
Violence erupted in the area when locals began looting foreign-owned shops and demanding that they leave.
Officials have hidden the location of the safety camp where over 200 foreigners are receiving shelter to avoid further violence.
The department says it will begin working to ensure the reintegration of foreign in the town.
In January, there was widespread looting of foreign owned shops in Soweto.
The unrest was caused by the death of 14-year-old Siphiwe Mahori, allegedly by a foreign shop owner in Doornkop, who had accused him of attempted robbery.
The looting and violence spread beyond parts of Soweto and claimed at least six lives, including that of a baby. (EWN/Additional Reporting)