SOUTH AFRICA — On Sunday, May 25, 2025, xenophobic violence broke out in Addo, Eastern Cape, South Africa, leaving four people dead, ten injured and hundreds of immigrants, including women and children, displaced from their homes.
The attacks were reportedly sparked by the killing of a South African man in a tavern on Saturday night, allegedly by an immigrant. In response, groups of local residents convened a meeting that excluded foreigners. Violence soon followed, as crowds targeted homes occupied by immigrants, forcibly evicting residents and assaulting them. Victims reported being beaten with iron bars and other weapons.
Many women and children fled into nearby bushes and ditches to escape the violence, while others gathered outside the Addo Police Station, citing continuing threats and a hostile environment.
The violence has upended the lives of long-term immigrant residents in Addo. Community leaders expressed shock and dismay, saying that relations between locals and immigrants had previously been peaceful. Victims have reported injuries, stolen property and fear returning home due to safety concerns.
According to GroundUp, xenophobic incidents have long been a recurring problem in South Africa. While Human Rights Watch reported fewer attacks in 2024 than in previous years, political rhetoric leading up to the May 29 elections has included anti-immigrant messaging. Data from Xenowatch documented 59 incidents of xenophobic discrimination in 2024, displacing 2,946 people nationwide.
Authorities have not yet detailed what measures are being taken to address the recent violence in Addo. The situation remains tense, with many displaced people seeking safety and support. The incident highlights South Africa’s ongoing challenges in preventing xenophobic attacks and protecting vulnerable communities.
