Kenyans living in South Africa have been affected by xenophobic violence in Johannesburg, Kenya’s High Commissioner Jean Kamau has confirmed.
Kamau said Kenyans in Gauteng Province have been physically assaulted and their businesses looted and burnt.
“The Kenya High Commission has since reached out to the affected individuals and encouraged them to respond to the instructions and calls by the South African police to report and open files regarding all incidents,” she said in a statement.
The embassy, which is located in Pretoria, urged Kenyans living in South Africa to work with local diaspora leaders to monitor the situation and take measures to safeguard their security.
The High Commission said it can be reached on phone through +27 12 362 2249/51 or on the email info@kenya.org.za
“All must remain vigilant and aware of their environment,” she said.
Kenya’s High Commissioner to South Africa Jean Kamau / PHOTO / COURTESY
She also noted there was fake news being circulated, and said Kenyans should seek clarification where in doubt.
“We have established that some of the circulated clips are outdated while some are not in South Africa. These kinds of sensational news should be shunned as this not only causes panic among Kenyans and does not help the situation at hand,” the embassy said.
At least five people have been killed and others injured in the attacks.
