CONFIRMED: 15 people have been killed in Phoenix violence

At least 15 people have been killed as a result of violence spurred by racial tensions between indian and black communities in Phoenix, Durban.

This was confirmed by Police Minister Bheki Cele who was in the area on Wednesday evening, 14 July 2021.

“People have lost their lives. We have lost 15 people here. One thing that we as police have to work on at all costs is that people who murder other people will have to be arrested. That cannot be compromised”

Police Minister Bheki Cele

There have been graphic images and videos being circulated on social media, showing the extent of the bloodshed in the area.

Phoenix violence: What is the cause of the clashes?

Police Minister Bheki Cele has condemned the racial tensions that seemed to have rocked the area, saying it will prove to be a problem in both the medium and long term.

While the circumstances remain unclear at this point, it is believed that the hostilities were fuelled by armed residents who formed vigilante groups to prevent looting. Residents in Phoenix and neighbouring Zwelisha informal settlement have been at loggerheads over the past few days and at the heart of it is the ongoing riots.

Parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng have already been the scene of chaos over the past few days – due to the ongoing riots which started out as demonstrations demanding former president Jacob Zuma’s release from prison.

The South African has reached out to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for comment, but was told government would soon give an update on the bloodshed in Durban.

“I don’t know why we are being attacked. The people across the river from us are our housekeepers and people we help with food and second-hand clothing and furniture when we can. I can’t understand why they want to harm us now,” said one woman to The Citizen.