'They can kill you': Immigrants fear a surge in xenophobic violence in South Africa
Foreign-owned businesses attacked, migrants driven from homes, several killed.
47Attacks reported since January
A leading xenophobic group has given all undocumented immigrants until June 30 to leave the country. Attacks have escalated, leaving communities in fear.
By April, the index had climbed to 42, up from 28 in February. The violence has been concentrated in Johannesburg and Durban, where foreign-owned shops have been looted and set ablaze.
A representative from the South African Human Rights Commission stated, 'We are deeply concerned by the rising tide of xenophobia.'
An official noted that at least 12 people have been killed in the past three months, making it the deadliest period since 2015.
Data & Timeline
Timeline
- January 2026First attacks reported in Soweto
- March 2026Group issues ultimatum for June 30
- April 2026Index rises to 42
- June 2026Deadline approaching; violence spikes