Foreigners live in fear… every day
‘We are here legally, so why are we attacked?’
FOREIGN nationals travelling to South Africa to escape political problems abroad are instead becoming victims of crime.
“We are living in fear every day for when we will be the next target,” said Bangladesh Community Committee vice-president, Mohamed Kowsar.
This comes after a Bangladeshi businessman, Sha-poran Porar, 43, was recently stabbed in the chest, while at his shop in Imbali, a township near Pietermaritzburg. He later died at a local clinic.
CCTV footage, which went viral on social media, showed men standing outside the spaza shop, behind a steel burglar guard, when an argument began.
Porar was seen pointing at one of them, when another man gripped his shirt, stabbed him and fled. He staggered and fell.
“This is the daily reality of many foreign nationals and many of the cases remain unresolved. We are living in fear every day for when we will be the next target.”
He said Porar was preparing to go to his daughter’s wedding in Bangladesh this month.
“His parents and family were so excited as he would have returned after 14 years,” said Kowsar, adding the committee had just helped Porar complete the necessary paperwork.
He said that in December Sohed Uddin, 36, was shot in the legs at his shop in Lincoln Meade, Pietermaritzburg. Uddin had been in the country for three months.
The robbers fled with cigarettes, R12 000 in cash and two cellphones.
The general-secretary of the Pakistan South Africa Association, Junaid Iqbal, claimed the remains of 30 victims of crime – killed over the past three months – were repatriated.
“You won’t hear about these deaths in the media, but this is what is happening to our people. Crime is high here. Even if you don’t retaliate, you get killed.”
Iqbal said most Pakistani and other foreign nationals remained in the country for better work opportunities.
“They are aware of the crime levels and possible xenophobic violence as some believe we are taking jobs away from them, but we are also trying to make a living to support our families.”
He said the Pakistan High Commission was aware of their concerns but called on the local government, police and the courts to address the issue.
“We are living and working here legally, so it is important that we are also protected and we get justice for those who are murdered or robbed.”
National police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo said all cases, irrespective of race, nationality, creed or gender, were treated with priority.
“Crime has no boundaries. It affects all those living in the country.”
He said the aggrieved families could feel as if the investigations were stalled possibly because they had not received feedback.
“But this all depends on the success of the suspects being arrested and appearing in court. However, if any person feels the case is not being given the proper attention, they should report their concerns to the station or cluster commander.”
Captain Nqobile Gwala, provincial police spokesperson, said Porar sustained stab wounds to the left side of the chest.
She said an arrest was imminent.