Alexandra riots: Foreign nationals targeted in xenophobic attacks [video]

Foreign nationals in Alexandra refuse to give in to threats made by locals.

By / / Viral / 2 minutes of reading

On Tuesday, there was a large presence of public order police in Alexandra, a day after violence broke out between locals of the Johannesburg township and foreign nationals.

What is happening in Alexandra?

Reports coming from the township on Tuesday suggest local authorities have been working with taxi associations in a bid to curb the riots prompted by leaders of the notorious ‘Alex Dudula’ movement.

Some roads in Alexandra were blocked off with burning tyres and rubble, a clear show of intention from the movement on what’s likely in store for foreign nationals.

From what we understand, people participating in the ‘operation’ are taking matters into their own hands in combing Alexandra’s township economy for undocumented foreigners operating informal businesses in the area.

The objective? Well, locals want them out of the country immediately.

While no deaths have been reported thus far, it’s believed a number of foreign nationals have been targeted in violent attacks, including this man, who, according to SABC News journalist Chriselda Lewis, was struck with a brick on his head.

WARNING: The image embedded below contains graphic imagery that may be harmful to sensitive viewers. Viewers’ discretion is strongly advised.

Despite Monday’s riots, some foreign nationals have brazenly reopened for business in Alexandra. Police remain on high alert and, thus far, no reports of unrest have surfaced.

This is a developing story.