Immigrants Fear Attacks, Face South Africa Police Harassment
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Luc, a Congolese hairdresser, says that while he fears the wave of anti-foreigner attacks gripping South Africa, his main concern is fending off harassment from the people who are supposed to protect him: the police.
Luc, a wiry 38-year-old, said that every few weeks the police stop him on the street, ask for proof he’s in the country legally, and often demand a 50 rand ($4) bribe if he doesn’t have his paperwork with him. He asked that his surname not be published for fear of retaliation.