Violent clashes between local residents and foreign nationals have left at least four people dead and ten others hospitalised in the small town of Addo, as tensions spiralled out of control over the weekend.
The violence was reportedly triggered by a fatal altercation at a local tavern on Saturday night, where a group of foreign nationals allegedly killed a local man during a fight. In a suspected act of retaliation, residents launched a series of attacks on Sunday, resulting in three more deaths.
A Zimbabwean national, who asked to remain anonymous, described the chaos on the streets as hostilities erupted.
“People were running all over—some for their lives, some were injured, some killed. I saw one man near Mfazomyama, and others in the distance. Around 2 a.m., I realised it wasn’t safe and decided to sleep at the police station,” he said.
Scores of foreign nationals sought refuge at the local police station overnight amid fears of further attacks.
Police have since deployed specialised units to Addo in a bid to restore order and prevent additional bloodshed. Authorities are urging residents to remain calm and allow law enforcement to investigate the incidents thoroughly.