South African immigrants kicked out of temporary shelters
South African police have forced hundreds of immigrants to leave temporary shelters they fled to during the height of xenophobic attacks, reports the BBC. Some chanted “human rights for refugees” while being taken away by riot police. A woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo said her sister was detained by police. “They are going back to their country, but I know in our country there is still fighting,” she said. The officials said that the immigrants did not register with the Home Affairs Department, so they were taken to a repatriation center in Johannesburg. The immigrants detained could be deported, reports the BBC. “I’m ashamed to be a South African; that this is how people in my country can be treated by our government,” shelter volunteer Marylyn Mill said. More than 60 foreigners were killed, and thousands more left their homes during attacks in May. Attackers blamed immigrants for the nation’s high crime rate and lack of jobs. Cleo Mosana, South Africa’s Home Affairs spokeswoman, said that the government had no choice. Immigrants had been offered exemption from being deported, and were given the time to apply for proper documentation, but they did not, she told the BBC. But immigrants say that the process wasn’t adequately explained or that they didn’t register because they didn’t want to lose their refugee status (which the government said would not happen).

Students in Kenya charged for rioting
Kenyan students, at least 70, have been charged in connection with several school riots across the nation, reports the BBC. During a protest against school administration this weekend, students set a dorm on fire, killing one student. About 200 students reportedly were arrested after that incident. Riots in boarding schools across Kenya have been on the rise, causing some in the government to call for a return of corporal punishment in the schools. “With school property being destroyed and even lives being lost, the government must now act tough on discipline in schools,” Najib Balala, Kenya’s Tourism Minister said. But corporal punishment was banned in schools seven years ago. Student protestors often complain about low-quality food and strict rules. But teachers say the unrest is because of stress on the students who are taking exams this week. The students from Mbugiti secondary school were arraigned and charged with arson and malicious damage to property. They were released on bail.

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