Xenophobic violence in South Africa has intensified following the killing of five Ethiopians and other African nationals last Tuesday, signaling a renewed surge in attacks across the country. Migrants are facing growing intimidation, exclusion and, in some cases, deadly violence.

In several areas, groups of young people—some carrying wooden sticks—have been seen demonstrating while chanting violent slogans, as foreigners are increasingly scapegoated. On social media platforms such as TikTok, videos have also surfaced showing sub-Saharan African migrants, including Ethiopians, being beaten.

Ethiopian migrants in South Africa say they are fearful and increasingly concerned about a rise in xenophobic attacks across the country. Many report heightened anxiety over their safety amid repeated incidents of intimidation, exclusion and violence targeting foreign nationals.

Gezahegn Sumamo Guche, CEO of the Generation to Generation movement, told DW Amharic that many Ethiopians are stranded and facing heightened risk amid growing xenophobic threats. He said Ethiopians in several cities have been staying indoors and avoiding public movement due to fears of violence, describing the situation as “severe.” He said threats from groups of young people openly carrying machetes have intensified fear and are causing significant psychological distress among migrants.

Another Ethiopian, who said he is among many Ethiopians living in a shared, crowded building in Pretoria, said they have received threatening messages from alleged attackers. He told an interviewer that many of the attacks and threats are, in some cases, supported behind the scenes by certain political actors and influential media figures.

He said some opposition politicians use anti-immigrant rhetoric to attract young supporters, warning that such language is contributing to the escalation of violence and creating conditions in which attacks become socially and politically tolerated.

He further criticized the police response, saying officers have largely stood by while people are being attacked, with little visible effort to intervene or restore order.

Reports indicate that some anti-immigrant groups have been stopping people outside hospitals and schools and asking to see identity documents.

During a march by one such group in Pretoria last week, foreign-owned businesses were urged to close temporarily, amid concerns about possible violence.

In the wake of attacks on Ethiopians in South Africa, Ethiopian refugees have urged their government to urgently intensify diplomatic efforts and engage South African authorities to ensure the safety of its nationals.

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, said in a press briefing on Thursday, April 30, 2026, that he is confident the South African government will address the matter and hold those responsible accountable. He also confirmed that the Ethiopian government is closely monitoring the situation through its embassy in Pretoria.

There is no exact official figure on how many Ethiopians are living in South Africa, as the population includes both documented and undocumented migrants, many of whom are not formally registered.

However, recent estimates suggest that up to half a million Ethiopians are believed to be living and working in the country, according to migration research estimates.