'They will attack me if I stay': immigrants in South Africa flee for safety amid violence and anti-foreigner protests
More than 2,000 anti-foreigner protesters march through Durban city centre as the arbitrary deadline passes for undocumented migrants to leave the country
TL;DR
- Anti-immigration protests are occurring across South Africa, with at least four people killed and tens of thousands fleeing.
- An arbitrary deadline for undocumented immigrants to leave the country has passed, increasing fears of violence.
- Thousands of immigrants have fled their homes, seeking repatriation or safety in makeshift camps.
- Xenophobic sentiment is linked to high unemployment and crime rates, with some blaming immigrants for economic insecurity.
- The South African government has intensified crackdowns on undocumented immigration and warned against vigilantism.