Violent attacks on immigrants in South Africa

The attacks began a week ago in the townships of Alexandra, in northern Johannesburg, and Diepsloot, southwest of the city. From there it spread to Zandspruit, Tembisa, Primrose, Reiger Park and Thokoza.

The violence did not hit the headlines in the foreign press until it spread into the business district of the city centre, as it did over the weekend. There were skirmishes at the Pritchard Street Central Methodist Church, which has become home to some 1,000 mainly Zimbabwean migrants.

There is a history of violence against migrants in South Africa, but it has never before reached this level. Government ministers are discussing whether to deploy the army, which has not been used in support of the civil power since 1994.

Dr. Eric Goemaere of Medecin Sans Frontieres said that the situation amounted to a humanitarian crisis with thousands left destitute as a result of the attacks. This reminds me of a refugee situation, he said. I have treated bullet wounds, beaten people, rape victims, and the people are terrified.

There is no way the police will be able to protect foreigners, Goemaere warned. All they can do is react to an outbreak of violence. The violence is spreading, and the situation is tense.