Show of force: Paramilitary soldiers arrive at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi after gunmen attacked it last week
The attacks on foreign nationals in KwaZulu-Natal have sparked an outrage on social media, with many users condemning the xenophobic attacks.
On Sunday, it was reported that foreign-owned shops in the township of KwaMashu were looted and torched as locals attempted to drive out immigrants from other African states. Since then, the violence has escalated and tensions remain high as police try to keep the situation calm.
On Tuesday, shops belonging to Ethiopian and Somalians in Durban’s West Street were looted. Tyres were burnt and police used teargas to disperse the mob.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Parliament, Police Minister Nathi Nhleko said he found it hard to view the attacks as just xenophobia. But many South Africans believe these are xenophobic attacks. Tweeting under different hashtags such as #NoToXenophobia, #WeAreAfrica, #Loveafrica South Africans expressed their views:
As expected, many have blamed Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini for his remarks: “We urge all foreigners to pack their bags and leave”.
Zwelithini allegedly made the comments, which have sparked criticism, at a moral regeneration rally in Pongola, northern KwaZulu-Natal, a few weeks ago. President Jacob Zuma’s eldest son, Edward Zuma also echoed the Kings sentiments that “foreigners needed to leave the country”.
Meanwhile, political and religious leaders are planning a peace march against violence directed at forign nationals.