Xenophobia: S/Africa arrests 310 suspects, establishes shelters for displaced foreigners

In view of the widely condemned xenophobic attacks by South African nationals, the country’s security agencies have arrested over 310 suspects since Monday while the government has set up shelters to accommodate displaced foreign nationals, Mokgethi Monaisa, South Africa’s consul-general in Lagos, disclosed on Thursday.

The alleged unguarded comments of Goodwill Zwelithimi, the Zulu king, asking foreign nationals to ‘take their bags and go where they came from’ sparked off violence in Africa’s second largest economy as citizens went on killing spree, destroying businesses of Nigerians and other nationals resident in the country.

But the situation has been brought under control as additional law enforcement officers have been mobilised from around South Africa and deployed to affected areas to enforce law and prevent further attacks, said Monaisa.

These efforts have helped to contain and suppress violence in areas like Jeppe and Alexander Township in Johannesburg while it has succeeded in ending hostility in Durban, he added.

“All district disaster management centres have been placed on high alert and a 24-hour call centre has been established,” he said, during the Nigeria – South Africa Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting held in Lagos.

“A panel of experts has been set up under the leadership of the former United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights, Judge Navi Pillay. Its purpose is to advise the government on the integration of foreigners into the local communities on an ongoing basis,” he disclosed.

The South African envoy said attacks on foreign nationals is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated, stressing that the attacks seem to be instigated by elements bent on taking advantage of the unease in communities to serve their political or criminal ends.

“Government continues to condemn protests that lead to loss of lives and destruction of property. Nothing can justify the criminal activity and intolerance that these attacks represent,” the envoy said.

He further said the process of reintegrating those who were displaced back into their communities has begun as community engagements are being conducted through communities in dialogue programme, community safety forums and ward committees, among others.

Monaisa disclosed that the matter is being managed at the highest level as Jacob Zuma, South African president, has assigned ministers of home affairs and police, state security to work with provinces affected to contain the violence.