Scores of residents in Soweto march to demand the departure of illegal immigrants from South Africa, amid rising incidents of intimidation of foreign nationals and journalists.
As tensions escalate in South Africa surrounding the self-imposed June 30 deadline set by the anti-immigration group March and March, a coalition of media freedom organisations is issuing dire warnings about the increasing threats facing both foreign nationals and journalists striving to report on these developments. The tragic killing of 29-year-old Malawian father Mishack Banda in Pietermaritzburg on June 19 has sharpened concerns over potential widespread violence and unrest.
The situation is further complicated by recent protests and incidents of violence that have resulted in assaults against individuals perceived to be foreign nationals. Journalists documenting these events have increasingly found themselves in perilous situations, facing not just the risk of physical attacks, but also intimidation tactics that hinder their reporting efforts. Reports have surfaced of journalists being coerced into deleting footage, having their equipment seized, and facing threats of violence for simply doing their jobs.
