Xenophobic attacks spread to Johannesburg 02:51
Story highlights
Zimbabweans make up the largest group of immigrants in South Africa
Attackers have targeted foreigners and their businesses
(CNN)Shops looted and set ablaze. Terrified foreigners hiding in police stations and stadiums. Machete-wielding attackers hacking immigrants to death in major cities in South Africa.
As attacks against foreigners and their businesses rage on, killing at least six people this week, other nations in the continent are scrambling to evacuate their citizens from South Africa. But this is not the first time xenophobic violence has exploded in a country that tries to portray itself as a diverse "rainbow" nation.
What triggered this week's attacks?
They started after Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini said at a recent gathering that foreigners "should pack their bags and go" because they are taking jobs from citizens, local media reported.
Shortly after his comments, violence against immigrants erupted in the port city of Durban.
His office has denied he made the comments, saying journalists misquoted him. While kings are mostly ceremonial figures in the nation, they are influential in their communities.
But the United Nations said the attacks started in March after a labor dispute between citizens and foreign workers.
Why are immigrants targeted?
Some citizens have accused African immigrants of taking their already scarce jobs, undermining businesses owned by locals and contributing to a high crime rate. The nation's unemployment rate is about 25%, according to government figures.
But resentment over porous borders, growing crime rates, poverty and corruption are also a major concern, analysts say.
President Jacob Zuma has said his government is addressing the social and economic concerns. But he said immigrants contribute to the nation's economy and bring skills that are in demand, and should not be stereotyped as criminals.
"While some foreign nationals have been arrested for various crimes, it is misleading and wrong to label or regard all foreign nationals as being involved in crime in the country," Zuma said.
How many immigrants are in South Africa?
The nation has about 2 million documented and undocumented immigrants, which is about 4% of the total population, according to a study by the University of the Witwatersrand.
Zimbabweans make up the largest group of immigrants.
Also, South Africa is a top travel destination for wealthy Africans because of its proximity and developed infrastructure.
Has South Africa had xenophobic attacks before?
Yes. This is the latest in a series of attacks that date back years.
In January, looters burned businesses owned by foreigners in another wave of xenophobic attacks. In addition, there were other incidents of violence last year, Human Rights Watch said.
Seven years ago, Johannesburg was the epicenter of more anti-immigrant tensions that left dozens dead in attacks that later spread to Cape Town. Most of the victims were Zimbabweans who had fled repression and dire economic circumstances. In those attacks, police arrested more than 200 people on various charges, including rape, murder, robbery and theft.
In 2006, xenophobic violence broke out again for several months in Cape Town.
What are other African nations doing about it?
Victims of xenophobic attacks have been from various African nations, including Nigeria, Somalia and Ethiopia.
African nations have condemned the attacks. Kenya, Malawi and Zimbabwe are just a few of the countries evacuating their citizens from South Africa.
In Zambia, local radio station QFM said it will not play South African music in solidarity with the victims.
And in Mozambique, South African energy and chemical giant Sasol sent about 340 South African nationals home. The company said Mozambican employees voiced concern about reported violence against their nationals and protested the presence of South African employees in Mozambique.
Is inequality a contributing factor?
Most of the attacks have erupted in poor and marginalized areas.
Despite the progress the nation has made since its apartheid days, inequality between blacks and whites still remains a major concern, according to the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
"It is up to the present and next generations to take up the cudgels where you (Mandela) have left off. It is up to them, through service to deepen our democracy; entrench and defend our constitution; eradicate poverty; eliminate inequality; fight corruption, and serve always with compassion, respect, integrity and tolerance," the foundation said in a statement.
"Xenophobia, racism and sexism must be fought with tenacity, wisdom and enlightenment."As fears of more attacks grow, South Africans have taken to social media and the streets to protest xenophobia and violence.
South African police fired rubber bullets Friday to disperse crowds setting immigrant businesses ablaze as attacks against foreigners spread to Johannesburg.
Chanting and singing, machete-armed residents burned down shops owned by foreigners, including a Nigerian dealership in the nation's largest city.
Immigrants carrying bricks accused police of not doing enough to protect them as businesses smoldered.
A sixth death occurred Wednesday. The body of a 58-year-old foreign national was found in Verulam town, where a mob attacked the man at his home. He fled and died of his injuries near his home, South African police said.
At least 112 people have been arrested throughout KwaZulu-Natal Province for various offenses related to the violence, police said. Social and economic issues
President Jacob Zuma said his government is addressing social and economic issues brought up by citizens. He said immigrants contribute to the nation's economy while others bring scarce skills.
"While some foreign nationals have been arrested for various crimes, it is misleading and wrong to label or regard all foreign nationals as being involved in crime in the country," Zuma said.
As the violence spread to other cities, terrified immigrants sought a resolution. Others fled, taking refuge at police stations in major cities.
"They are using this as scapegoats," said Jean-Pierre Lukamba, an immigrant from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
"Every day, migrants are living in this fire. It's not just attacks. It's institutionalized xenophobia. The government must do something. Those people aren't just mad for no reason. They want electricity, they want jobs, they want water."
'They don't understand the history of Africa'
Lukamba said he's part of an organization trying to negotiate between the two sides.
"They don't understand the history of Africa; if they do, they would know each of us, we are one," he said.
Thousands fled to temporary shelters, with aid group Gift of the Givers saying about 8,500 people are hiding in refugee centers or police stations this week because of the violence. The number did not include those who have moved in with friends or relatives.
The aid group said it has a facility in Johannesburg to help those who might need shelter.
"We are preparing aid packages for those who may journey onwards to their home countries," it said.
Police ordered to work around the clock
The violence spread from Durban to Johannesburg even though Zuma has condemned the attacks and appealed for calm.
"No amount of frustration or anger can ever justify the attacks on foreign nationals and the looting of their shops," he said. "The attacks violate all the values that South Africa embodies, especially the respect for human life."
Zuma said he has ordered police to work around the clock to protect citizens and immigrants, and arrest the perpetrators.
In Mozambique, the South African energy and chemical giant Sasol was temporarily returning about 340 South African nationals to South Africa "as a precautionary measure," Sasol spokesman Alex Anderson said.
Mozambican employees of Sasol service providers have voiced concern about reported violence against Mozambicans and other foreign nationals in South Africa and protested the presence of South African employees in Mozambique.
"We have had no cases of violence at our sites and the situation remains calm," Anderson said in a statement.
In the past, Johannesburg has been the epicenter of anti-immigrant tensions.
In 2008, dozens were killed in attacks in the poorest areas of Johannesburg. Most of the victims were Zimbabweans who had fled repression and dire economic circumstances. In those attacks, police arrested more than 200 people on various charges, including rape, murder, robbery and theft.
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