Some Nigerians living in South Africa who have refused to comply with a June 30 deadline issued by anti-migrant groups to leave the country have reportedly armed themselves for self-defence amid escalating xenophobic tensions.
The development follows renewed campaigns by anti-immigrant groups demanding the expulsion of foreign nationals, claiming they are responsible for unemployment and pressure on public services, reports Sunday Trust.
One of the groups spearheading the campaign, March and March, has been mobilising supporters across parts of South Africa. Addressing a crowd in Durban shortly before the unofficial deadline, the group’s leader, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, declared: “South Africans have been replaced by illegal foreigners, increasing unemployment. We want mass deportation. For the next six months we want the government to get rid of the people who have not left.”
Following the deadline, members of the groups reportedly raided homes and hotels where they believed undocumented migrants were hiding.
In one widely circulated video, a man, his pregnant wife and their children were seen being forced out of their home by protesters. The man repeatedly pleaded, saying, “My wife is pregnant,” as the family was marched onto the street.
According to police, at least four foreign nationals — two Mozambicans, one Ethiopian and one Malawian — have been killed in the latest wave of anti-immigrant violence.
The unrest has prompted several African governments, including those of Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, to organise voluntary evacuation flights and buses for their citizens. Authorities say more than 25,000 people have been processed for departure in recent weeks.
Despite the evacuations, some Nigerians have reportedly chosen to remain in South Africa and have armed themselves to protect their communities.
A video seen by Sunday Trust shows two groups confronting each other across a makeshift boundary marked by ropes, with police officers positioned between them to prevent clashes.
On one side were Nigerians, while South African protesters gathered opposite them.
The commentator in the video claimed the Nigerians were “waiting for the South Africans to cross the line” while security personnel stood between both sides.
The footage also appears to show some individuals on the Nigerian side carrying cutlasses and other light weapons. A gunshot is heard during the recording, prompting chants from the crowd as tensions escalated.
“Can you hear the gunshots?” the commentator says in the video.
Checks by our correspondent indicate that the footage is authentic. However, as of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian nor South African authorities had issued an official statement specifically addressing the incident shown in the video.
The Nigerian government has consistently condemned attacks on its citizens in South Africa and has urged South African authorities to ensure their safety.
Through the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, officials have remained in contact with affected Nigerians, advising them to stay calm, avoid flashpoints and promptly report threats to security agencies.
Nigeria and South Africa have experienced repeated diplomatic tensions over recurring xenophobic attacks, with previous outbreaks leading to official protests, emergency evacuations and renewed calls for stronger protection of foreign nationals living in South Africa.
