Gqeberha: Situation Is Still Tense, Violence Could Erupt Over Minor Incidents
- The situation remains tense in Gqeberha after the recent violence that erupted between residents and Somali nationals
- Authorities have warned that the smaller incident could spark renewed violence
- Things have returned to normal on the surface but the usual vibrant atmosphere has been replaced by one of tension and mistrust
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GQERBEHA - Xenophobic tensions are still high in Gqeberha between South Africans and Somalie nationals following the recent violence.
Although things have calmed down, the smaller incident could spark further unrest.
Source: Twitter
Eight minibus taxis, a car and four businesses were set alight earlier in the week.
City Press reported that Somali nationals were afraid after the violence and South Africans living in Gqeberha are distrustful of the Somalis.
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Police Minister Bheki Cele arrived in Gqeberha and met with the different stakeholders.
They agreed to work on defusing the situation but the area is still tense and has not returned to normal yet according to News24.
12 taxis allegedly torched in Gqeberha amid clashes, SA reacts to violent scenes
Earlier, Briefly News reported that the number of taxis believed to have been torched amid violent confrontations between taxi operators and the Somali community in Gqeberha is 12.
SABC News reported that two cars and a shop were also caught in the crosshairs in the Korsten area after allegedly being set alight on Wednesday.
Reports on the ground have told that the supposed clashes occurred over a road rage incident after a minor collision between a taxi and a private vehicle driven by a foreign national.
Joburg taxi violence leaves several vehicles torched, SA shares mixed reactions
In similar news, downtown Johannesburg has been caught in the commotion following the torching of at least 4 minibus taxis. The incident took place on Saturday morning and is believed to be yet another outbreak of taxi violence in the area.
The incident happened next to the Carlton Centre, a busy shopping mall in the inner city.
Speaking with News 24, Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said not much could be confirmed at the moment.
Source: Briefly News
