A renewed wave of xenophobic violence has erupted across multiple cities in South Africa, with foreign nationals—particularly Nigerians and Ghanaians—reportedly bearing the brunt of the attacks.
As of late April 2026, incidents of anti-foreigner unrest have been recorded in Cape Town, Durban, East London (recently renamed KuGompo City), and parts of Gauteng Province. The unrest, characterised by coordinated protests and sporadic violence, has triggered safety advisories and diplomatic concern among several African countries.
Eyewitness accounts and circulating video footage indicate that foreign-owned businesses have been looted and vandalised, while individuals identified as non-South Africans have been assaulted in public spaces. In Durban, reports suggest that groups of locals have targeted African migrants, chasing them through streets and attacking them with crude weapons, including metal pipes and wooden sticks.
Among the victims are Nigerian and Ghanaian nationals, many of whom are said to have suffered injuries during the attacks.
A Tanzanian citizen was also reportedly subjected to a brutal assault in Durban, allegedly targeted solely on the basis of nationality.
The latest developments have heightened fears of a broader escalation, recalling previous waves of xenophobic violence in the country. Community leaders and civil society organisations have called for calm, urging authorities to take decisive steps to restore order and protect vulnerable populations.
Diplomatic missions representing affected countries are closely monitoring the situation, with some already engaging South African authorities over the safety of their citizens. There are growing calls for stronger enforcement measures and accountability to curb the violence and prevent further deterioration.
South African security agencies have yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the incidents, but officials are expected to respond amid increasing domestic and international pressure.
