As authorities are trying to contain the xenophobic violence that flared in parts of Gauteng, there are reports of fresh xenophobic violence in parts of Cape Town this morning.
Several sources and eyewitnesses have described the Cape Town violence as xenophobic claiming the unrest is linked to tensions between locals and foreign-owned businesses.
Reports have surfaced claiming that several immigrant-owned stores in the townships of Philippi and Samora Machel have been the target of angered protesters. Those behind the apparent looting are claiming they have legitimate grievances with “foreigners taking employment from them.”
According to The South African, Xhosa radio station Umhlobo Wenene FM received a wave of calls during their breakfast show, as locals in the Cape Town area suggested that there was a xenophobic element to the violence. Callers pleaded with SAPS to attend the stores.
The xenophobic violence that started last week threatens South Africa’s relationship with the rest of the continent. Officials in Nigeria and Zambia have closed South African embassies and stores, with anti-Mzansi protests taking place in both DR Congo and Mozambique.
More: The South African