PRESS RELEASE:
VIOLENCE AT KENNEDY ROAD SETTLEMENT
Durban Action Against Xenophobia
durbancrisis@gmail.com

On Saturday the 26th September, a meeting of the shack dwellers’ movement, Abahlali basemJondolo, was interrupted by a mob consisting of men apparently shouting that “the AmaMpondo are taking over Kennedy. Kennedy is for the amaZulu.” The ensuing violence resulted in deaths, and varied accounts put the number at anywhere between two and eight people having lost their lives. Homes have been destroyed and probably hundreds of people have been displaced. It is clear that the attacks have been on political and ethnic grounds, and there is growing concern regarding the involvement of local authorities including the police, ANC, and ward council.