International Relations Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has confirmed that Botswana has closed its border with the North West following the chaos that has erupted in Mahikeng.
Violence in the North West has escalated, as community members call for the removal of their Premier Supra Mahumapelo.
Sisulu says President Cyril Ramaphosa was forced to return back to South Africa, as tensions in the North West have now become an international crisis.
Ramaphosa arrived in Mahikeng this afternoon, where he is expected to convene an urgent meeting with the African National Congress’ (ANC) top six. North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo will also meet with the President.
Meanwhile, about 500 foreign nationals have gathered outside the venue at which the ANC top six and other party leaders are holding an urgent meeting. They are demanding an audience with the ANC leadership following the continued looting of their businesses since violent protests erupted in the provincial capital on Wednesday.
“We have been seeking help from the government we got no shelter here more than 500 shops have been looted. We don’t have any document here we can’t travel. Most of the people are living with asylum seekers papers. We don’t have anything in the shops. This is the people’s violence. The violence does not depend on us we are supplying food for the people. We are doing a business we did not do any crime,” says spokesperson of the foreign nationals Teref Tesfaye.
Below is a map of where the protests are taking place and a video playlist of the latest developments from the story:
