African Migrants Flee South Africa Attacks After 5 Killed and Homes Looted
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Jun 15
African Migrants Flee South Africa Attacks After 5 Killed and Homes Looted
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Jun 15
Summary
At least five people have been killed in anti-migrant violence in and around Durban, driving scores of African migrants from homes and businesses and leaving about 200 sleeping outside a Home Affairs office.
Victims say looting followed anti-immigrant marches that began on May 18, with some migrants who have lived in South Africa since childhood now hiding on streets, mountains and rough ground.
Police made some arrests after five Mozambicans were killed, but migrants told Reuters officers later forced them from temporary shelters and fired tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets; police denied that account.
March and March, the group behind the protests, denied responsibility for the attacks, while analysts said migrants are being scapegoated for job and service shortages ahead of local elections due by November.
Will South Africa's crackdown on migration quell xenophobic violence, or simply ignite a bigger fire before the June 30 deadline?
Is this violence about migrants, or is it a symptom of South Africa's deeper economic and political failures?
As nations repatriate citizens, is the dream of Pan-African unity dying on the streets of Durban?
Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa (May-June 2026): Humanitarian Fallout, Root Causes, and Policy Responses
Overview
In May and June 2026, South Africa experienced a renewed surge of xenophobic harassment and attacks against foreign nationals, leading to significant displacement and a growing humanitarian crisis. In Durban, around 150 migrants from Burundi, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe sought refuge, with many going without food for days until organizations like Gift of the Givers provided aid. The Congolese Solidarity Campaign highlighted urgent needs for safe shelter and psychological support. This escalating violence drew international concern, prompting the UN Secretary General to publicly address the situation and call for action to protect affected migrants.