GoTG acts against alleged xenophobic threats

RELIEF organisation, Gift of the Givers (GoTG), has intervened to assist close to 2 000 foreign nationals who fled their homes, reportedly due to xenophobic threats, in Wellington.

Women and children were yesterday being accommodated in a local hall under police guard.

This was while men sought refuge at the local police station, GoTG project manager, Ali Sablay, said.

“The threat stemmed after a local resident and foreign national were involved in a fatal brawl where both succumbed to their injuries.

“Credit is due to the swift response by the SAPS in evacuating the foreign nationals in the OR informal settlement and preventing the looting and burning of foreign shops.”

Sablay said GoTG teams were activated and on-site yesterday afternoon to provide humanitarian assistance.

They would also conduct further assessments on what further aid was required.

Additional humanitarian aid would be delivered today, Sablay said.

“They haven't eaten since Wednesday night so we will be assisting them with hot meals.

“There has been a request for toiletry packs, some baby care packs and baby formula and cereal for the children.

“Requests have also been made for blankets, mattresses, and water,” Sablay said.

Drakenstein Municipality executive director of public safety, Eda Barnard, said the municipality provided around 350 women and children with shelter and food since Wednesday night.

“Please note that this is a South African Police Service (SAPS) operation.

“The municipality is providing support.

“Please direct any further enquiries to SAPS in Wellington.”

The police could not be reached in time yesterday to provide confirmation on the shooting incident and further details.