On Tuesday, there was a large presence of public order police in Alexandra, a day after violence broke out between locals of the Johannesburg township and foreign nationals.
What is happening in Alexandra?
Reports coming from the township on Tuesday suggest local authorities have been working with taxi associations in a bid to curb the riots prompted by leaders of the notorious ‘Alex Dudula’ movement.
Some roads in Alexandra were blocked off with burning tyres and rubble, a clear show of intention from the movement on what’s likely in store for foreign nationals.
HAPPENING NOW
— Chriselda 'Babes We Ndaba' Lewis (@Chriseldalewis) March 8, 2022
More tyres being set alight in different areas around Alexandra in what started yesterday as unrest between South Africans and foreign nationals.#SABCNEWS pic.twitter.com/EFG4OAjDaX
From what we understand, people participating in the ‘operation’ are taking matters into their own hands in combing Alexandra’s township economy for undocumented foreigners operating informal businesses in the area.
The objective? Well, locals want them out of the country immediately.
#DudulaMovement
— Chriselda 'Babes We Ndaba' Lewis (@Chriseldalewis) March 7, 2022
[WATCH]
Shops being forced to close in Alexandra, North of Johannesburg#SABCNEWS pic.twitter.com/H7EFzsUmQg
While no deaths have been reported thus far, it’s believed a number of foreign nationals have been targeted in violent attacks, including this man, who, according to SABC News journalist Chriselda Lewis, was struck with a brick on his head.
WARNING: The image embedded below contains graphic imagery that may be harmful to sensitive viewers. Viewers’ discretion is strongly advised.
WARNING!!!
— Chriselda 'Babes We Ndaba' Lewis (@Chriseldalewis) March 7, 2022
GRAPHIC PHOTO
This man that #SABCNEWS interviewed earlier is receiving treatment to his head.
He was attacked with a brick in Alexandra earlier during #DudulaMovement.#SABCNEWS pic.twitter.com/95iZ1xTzWe
Despite Monday’s riots, some foreign nationals have brazenly reopened for business in Alexandra. Police remain on high alert and, thus far, no reports of unrest have surfaced.
Shops and stalls owned by foreign nationals in Alexandra are opening this morning despite threats of a shutdown by members of the #DudulaMovement. @ahmedkajee has more.
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 8, 2022
Watch: https://t.co/TT1FQ7V9v1#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/g7GSAE7wDD
These women couldn't hide their feelings.They told #DudulaMovement members in Alex that they won't allow to be harassed."We have rent to pay. For 3 wks, we can't do business. How are we going to survive," they angrily said.#Xenophobic #OperationDudula #Nigerians /@ScrollaAfrica pic.twitter.com/ABM6PvRXiI
— BEAST OF THE NEWS (@EversonLuhanga) March 8, 2022
This is a developing story.