10 heartbreaking posts from Twitter users on xenophobic attacks in South Africa

09:34 - 03 September 2019

Xenophobic attacks in South Africa

South Africa has been hit by another outbreak of <a href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/ece-frontpage/xenophobia-eighteen-ghanaians-rescued-from-xenophobic-attacks/75lbvj0" link="null">xenophobic violence</a> in its biggest city, attracting criticism from other African countries.

Twitter users have condemned the attacks on foreign-owned businesses and properties in South Africa by her citizens.

The spate of violence that broke out in Johannesburg and spread to the central business district saw the destruction of more than 50 mainly foreign-owned shops and business premises.

Xenophobic attacks in South Africa

Cars and properties were torched and widespread looting took place.

The attacks come ahead of the beginning of the African edition of the World Economic Forum in Cape Town on September 4, 2019, and before a state visit to South Africa by Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari.

The violence echoes sporadic outbreaks of attacks mainly targeting migrants from other African countries in South Africa.

Xenophobic attacks in South Africa

Social media users have called for stronger intervention by the South African government.

However, some nationals of South Africa have also expressed their frustrations with the activities of foreigners in their country.

Watch video:

F**k South Africans, stupid cowards #XenophobicAttacks pic.twitter.com/J99qYIHXiW
— DAIO (@Theifedayo) September 2, 2019

I agree with the writer below that South Africans are doing their attacks based on misplaced anger and inferiority complex. #Xenophobia #Tuliaa #XenophobicAttacks
South Africa
Mariga pic.twitter.com/0Hd4z7uoml
— Baba Daniela (@SammyKibet79) September 3, 2019

South Africans are attacking black Africans & destroying businesses of fellow Africans mostly Nigerians in South Africa. The Nigerian government has expressed "concern". 🙄🙄🙄
They kill your people, you express "concern". #Xenophobia #XenophobicAttacks https://t.co/IIGgJfoHlm
— Wale Gates (@walegates) September 2, 2019

The #Xenophobia attacks by some South Africans against Nigerians and other foreign Nationals are completely heartbreaking. Sad to see people that suffered through decades of apartheid, violence and hatred, now turning around to do the same/worse to others. (1)
— Banky Wellington (@BankyW) September 3, 2019

I stopped being bothered when people addressed Africa as a country a long time ago, because what is better than being united as a people?
The late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah has turned in his grave aah taya. #Xenophobia #EndXenophobia pic.twitter.com/gZwKl1GYhn
— Sister Deborah (@deborahvanessa7) September 3, 2019

South Africa why!?!?😭 It will never be ok for us to kill each other, it will never be ok to burn & bludgeon people to death because we failed to have a conversation. My heart is broken. We must stop this before we finish each other #Xenophobia
— Evan Mawarire (@PastorEvanLive) September 3, 2019

Just look at that elderly woman to the far right (yes, pun) of the picture. That's the person you will expect to talk sense into her children, but she's the one trying to launch the most lethal strike there. #Xenophobia na just excuse. They are a heartless people, people pf SA!😑 pic.twitter.com/tXgvJLZExb
— Emeka... Dinma's son (@hindsightedman) September 3, 2019