This weekend saw an increase in violence against immigrants in South Africa. The attacks began a week or so ago in the township of Alexandra (near Johannesburg) and has been escalating. As in similar outbreaks in recent years around the world, this situation seems to be one where immigrants are being blamed for the ills of society including crime, lack of jobs and investment at the local level.
What is perhaps most upsetting in the South African situation is that the majority of those who have been targeted are the many Zimbabweans who have fled the violence in their home country. They have been victims of a rogue regime at home and an international community, led by South Africa, unable and unwilling to seriously address the situation.
Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) spokesman Eric Goemaere told the BBC that: “This reminds me of a refugee situation. I have treated bullet wounds, beaten people, rape victims, and the people are terrified.”
The South African government MUST get a handle on the internal situation and the troubles in Zimbabwe.
