Situation ‘diabolical and nefarious’ – city
THE city said last night that it would not allow eThekwini to be turned into a war zone.
“Government has noted with grave concerns and regret that the attacks on foreign nationals and looting of their shops have continued around the province.”
The statement said that it was completely unacceptable for South Africans to treat foreign nationals in such a “diabolical and nefarious manner”.
Mayor James Nxumalo called upon all members of society “to join us in rejecting and condemning xenophobia and all related discrimination”.
Earlier yesterday deputy mayor Nomvuso Shabalala spoke at the Khula Business Tour at the Dube TradePort.
“Before we have always said that xenophobia was in the townships. Today we have seem something we have never seen before.
“It has come to the inner city. We don’t believe this thing that people are saying that foreigners have taken their businesses. We believe that there is an element of criminality and jealousy behind this. Durban has received a number of accolades, such as the best place to live, and we are worried that this is tarnishing the image of our city of Durban. The violence must stop – it is not acceptable and it is not humane.”
MEC for Economic Development Mike Mabuyakhulu said the premier had called a meeting at city hall at 2.30pm today, when all business stakeholders would meet to discuss solutions to the xenophobic violence.
“He wants to assure the public that the provincial government is providing leadership, this is not the time to panic.”
Police Ministry spokesman Musa Zondi debunked rumours that the army was to be deployed, saying the military was not trained to handle such situations.
KZN EMS spokesman Robert McKenzie said at least six people, all foreigners, were attended to during the attacks yesterday. He said three were stabbed and one was burnt. The other two were transported by private ambulances.
Police said 12 people were arrested in Durban yesterday for public violence. – Colleen Dardagan, Sihle Manda & Sphelele Ngubane