South Africa rocked again by xenophobic violence
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – A fresh wave of xenophobic violence swept across parts of Johannesburg and Pretoria on Sunday with authorities on high alert and the Nigerian government warning Pretoria that it will not tolerate any attacks on its citizens.
The Zambian government has warned its nationals to avoid travelling to South Africa after a Zambian was stabbed in the head in a suspected xenophobic attack on foreigners. Zambian truckers already in the country have been advised to park their vehicles at safe and designated places.
Police on Tuesday confirmed that two people have been killed in running street battles in Hillbrow, a high density suburb outside the Johannesburg Central Business District.
Police Minister Bheki Cele, who visited trouble spots on Monday afternoon has vowed to send in more police reinforcements.
The violence broke out in suburbs south of Johannesburg on Sunday and numerous foreign-owned shops and premises were looted. Vehicles and properties were also torched.
The Right2Know Campaign has blamed the attacks on on politicians, including Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba, Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini and President Cyril Ramaphosa.
It said the attacks on non-South Africans can be directly linked to calls by politicians to "defend the sovereignty of the state".
The violence is a huge embarrassment to South Africa which will host the African edition of the World Economic Forum in Cape Town from Wednesday.
In addition, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will undertake his first official tour to South Africa next month.
“The continuing attacks on Nigerian nationals and businesses in South Africa are unacceptable. Enough is enough. Nigeria will take definitive measures to ensure safety and protection of her citizens,” the Nigerian government said in a statement.
In 2008 about 60 people were killed and thousands were forced to flee from their homes. FIFA warned that South Africa risked losing the 2010 World Cup if the violence wasn’t contained.
Ace Magashule, the secretary-general of the ruling African National Congress described the latest wave of violence as unacceptable, “irrespective of whatever reasons people want to give”.
The official opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) said the widespread violent protests, looting, destruction of property and general lawlessness, which has taken place over the past weeks is evidence of the economic and social collapse of South Africa.
“Those caught breaking the law must be arrested and prosecuted, and we welcome the arrests already made. But more is required. We call on President Cyril Ramaphosa to come out of hiding and break his silence on the unfolding social and economic crises. Ramaphosa was elected to lead, and each day he remains silent, the situation deteriorates even further,” said DA leader Mmusi Maimane.
-0- PANA CU/MA 3Sept2019
