Xenophobia - South Africa
For two weeks in May 2008 a series of violent, xenophobic attacks took place throughout informal settlements across South Africa. Immigrants from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Somalia and the DRC were accused, among other things, of stealing jobs and houses away from locals. The attacks were violent and sporadic.
During the two week period more than 60 people were killed - a third of them South Africans - hundreds were injured and thousands of foreigners were displaced and forced to either return to their home countries or seek safety in refugee camps.
A man strides past blazing shacks set alight during fierce clashes between the police, foreigners and local residents. Makausi, Primrose, east of Johannesburg, South Africa.
A chilling warning to foreigners lies forgotten on the ground as police, foreigners and locals clash. Makausi, Primrose, east of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Foreigners flee locals during clashes between the police, foreigners and local residents. Makausi, east of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Foreigners escape with salvaged belongings during clashes between the police, foreigners and local residents. Makausi, Primrose, east of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Trying to escape, foreigners dodge stones and rubber bullets during clashes between police, foreigners and local residents. Makausi, east of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Foreigners escape with salvaged belongings during clashes between the police, foreigners and local residents. Makausi, Primrose, east of Johannesburg, South Africa.
A policeman trains his shotgun on a man during violent clashes between the police, foreigners and local residents. Makausi, east of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Foreigners escape with salvaged belongings during clashes between the police, foreigners and local residents. Makausi, east of Johannesburg, South Africa.
A young girl wakes up in her new home: a refugee camp opposite the Primrose police station following clashes between foreigners and local residents. Johannesburg, South Africa.
Alexandra police station north of Johannesburg is transformed into a makeshift refugee camp housing approximately 400 refugees following clashes between foreigners and locals in the area.
Mawra Ngwenya waits at Park Station for her uncle to return with train tickets to Komatiepoort as they flee back to Maputo, Mozambique. Their home was destroyed in clashes between foreigners and locals in Ramophosa township, east of Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Ngwenya family board the Komatiepoort train on their journey back Maputo after fleeing the destruction of their home during clashes between foreigners and locals in Ramophosa township, east of Johannesburg, South Africa.
A young woman watches from the bus that will transfer her to Lindela Repatriation Centre. From there, they will be deported back to their country of origin following the chaos and violent clashes between foreigners and locals across Johannesburg. Johannesburg, South Africa.