Two people died on Monday at the Olievenhoutbosch informal settlement south of Pretoria following clashes between South Africans and foreigners, police said on Wednesday.
”Fighting erupted between a group of South Africans and foreigners at the Shoba informal settlement in Olievenhoutbosch and resulted in the death of two people,” said Inspector Katlego Mogale.
The exact cause of the deaths was not known, but the two appeared to have died from blows received during the clashes between the groups.
The groups were estimated to have comprised more than 10 people each.
Mogale said there had been ongoing tension between South African and foreign residents in the area for some time. It is believed the foreigners had recently left the area and upon their return on Sunday were met by the group of South Africans, and fighting ensued.
”When the foreigners returned, the South Africans had mobilised and the groups chased each other around the area, fighting. Once it started to rain and police were alerted, they split into smaller groups and ran off.”
Police anticipate the smaller groups will remain in the area and that more riots will break out.
”We have placed additional units in Olievenhoutbosch and members of the community are being questioned.”
A 9mm firearm dropped by one of the rioters was confiscated by police.
No arrests have been made. — Sapa