Police confirmed a total of five people were dead and 11 injured after renewed clashes between South Africans and foreigners on Wednesday at the Olievenhoutbosch informal settlement, south of Pretoria.
”We can now confirm five deaths and 11 people injured following this morning’s fighting between South Africans and foreigners at Shoba informal settlement in Olievenhoutbosch,” said police spokesperson Inspector Katlego Mogale on Wednesday.
One person was found dead at the scene and the other four died on the way to hospital.
Three deaths occurred on Wednesday and two people died on Monday, bringing the total to five.
Mogale said the 11 injured and five dead had sustained blows from sticks, whips and improvised weapons that the rioting groups had used to fight each other.
Several of the injured were being held for questioning.
The groups of combatants were estimated to have comprised more than 10 people each.
No damage to houses or public property was reported.
Mogale said there has 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 for the festive season and upon their return 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.
The police presence in the area has been increased and patrols are being carried out, said Mogale.
A 9mm firearm dropped by one of the rioters was confiscated. — Sapa