Ethiopian National Killed in Johannesburg Amid Renewed Xenophobia Concerns
- Apr 27
- 1 min read
An Ethiopian man has been shot dead in central Johannesburg in an incident that has heightened fears over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa.
The fatal shooting occurred at a busy intersection in the city’s commercial district, where traders and commuters were going about their daily activities.
Eyewitness accounts and circulating video footage indicate that the attacker approached the victim at close range and opened fire without any visible provocation.
The victim reportedly collapsed at the scene, while the assailant fled immediately, leaving bystanders in shock. There were no immediate indications of theft or confrontation prior to the attack, raising suspicions that the act may have been premeditated.
Authorities have yet to release the identity of the deceased, confirming only that he was an Ethiopian citizen. Law enforcement officials say investigations are ongoing, but no arrests have been made so far.
The incident has reignited concerns about recurring hostility toward foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, particularly in urban commercial hubs where many migrants operate small businesses.
Recent tensions have been fuelled by anti-immigrant demonstrations, with some groups openly demanding that foreign nationals leave local communities. In one widely shared incident, a Nigerian trader was confronted and threatened by protesters who accused foreigners of taking economic opportunities.
Security agencies have since condemned acts of intimidation and violence, stressing that such behaviour violates the country’s laws and constitutional values.
Observers warn that unless decisive action is taken, incidents like this could further strain social cohesion and deepen fears among migrant communities living and working in South Africa.
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